EP1645312A1 - Three-dimensional puzzle - Google Patents
Three-dimensional puzzle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1645312A1 EP1645312A1 EP04258174A EP04258174A EP1645312A1 EP 1645312 A1 EP1645312 A1 EP 1645312A1 EP 04258174 A EP04258174 A EP 04258174A EP 04258174 A EP04258174 A EP 04258174A EP 1645312 A1 EP1645312 A1 EP 1645312A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- central body
- image
- outer pieces
- toy
- toy apparatus
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- A63F9/12—Three-dimensional jig-saw puzzles
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Toys (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to three-dimensional puzzles, in particular a type of puzzle in which the pieces are assembled around a base object
- It is known to have a three-dimensional puzzle in which the pieces themselves combine to form a three-dimensional design, usually with an image on the outside. Two examples of puzzles like this are US Pat 6,655,685 to Tsai and US Pat 6,095,521 to Patel. These three-dimensional puzzles all have only one finished product to look at and enjoy.
- In the Patel design, as well as in US Pat 6,116,979 to Weber, there is an inner piece, which the outer pieces are assembled around; however, neither inner piece has any type of design on it.
- There also currently exist several different variations of a magnetic type of puzzle, most of which include a variety of pieces which fit together in a puzzle-type configuration, and have some form of magnetic means to attach the pieces to some form of metal backing. US 5,203,847 to Butt takes this one step further, with additional pieces being able to be attached to the front of the assembled puzzle picture. However, these magnetic puzzles are all relatively two dimensional, with the image only facing one direction.
- There are also a few magnetic toys such as US Pat 6,790,117 to Gonzalez where there is an image such as a doll, and items such as clothing are magnetically attached over top of the doll, changing its appearance. These toys are also generally two-dimensional, with the image only appearing on one side of the toy. As well, the clothing is not in any type of puzzle-form, involving any type of challenge to place them on the doll correctly.
- There remains a need for an improvement to the above mentioned puzzles and toys.
- In the preferred embodiment there is a toy or puzzle comprising a three-dimensional central body, a first image on the central body, and a plurality of outer pieces configured in puzzle-type arrangement, including a second image and means to connect the outer pieces to the central body.
- In this preferred embodiment the outer pieces completely cover the central body when connected. As well, the connecting means are magnets. The outer pieces may contain magnets and the central body includes a material to which the outer pieces can adhere, e.g. a ferrous material, or the central body may contain magnetic material and the outer pieces include the ferrous material, such that the outer pieces will removably adhere to the body. In other embodiments, the connecting means may be something such as snaps or velcro. In the preferred embodiment, the central body rests upon a stand.
- In this embodiment the first image is related to the second image. Specifically, in one embodiment, the central body is shaped like an animal, the first image is of a skeletal view of the animal, and the second image is an external view of the animal.
- Other aspects and advantages of the device will become apparent from the following Detailed Description and the accompanying drawings.
- Fig. 1 is a side view of the toy or puzzle with the outer pieces attached to a body.
- Fig. 2 is a slightly elevated front view of the toy or puzzle with the outer pieces attached to half of the body.
- Fig. 3 is a different side view of the toy or puzzle in Fig 2.
- Fig. 4 is a side view similar to Fig 3, but with additional outer pieces attached to the body.
- Fig. 5 is a side view similar to Fig 4, with even more outer pieces attached to the body.
- Fig. 6 is a side view similar to Fig 5, with all of the outer pieces attached to the body.
- Fig. 7 is a top view of one of the outer pieces.
- Fig. 8 is a bottom view of the outer piece from Fig 7.
- Fig. 9 is a close up view of the toy or puzzle of Fig 6, without the outer piece from Fig 7.
- Fig. 10 is an image of the outer piece from Fig 7 being attached to the body.
- With reference to Figures 1-3, a preferred embodiment of a toy or
puzzle 10 is shown. Thetoy 10 includes acentral body 12 and a plurality ofouter pieces 14 which are assembled in a puzzle-type arrangement Thecentral body 12 includes afirst image 16. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, thefirst image 16 is a dinosaur skull, as can be seen clearly in Figure 3. When theouter pieces 14 are assembled around thecentral body 12, asecond image 18 is shown, as can be seen in Figure 1 and Figure 6 as the external view of a dinosaur head. A singularouter piece 14 is shown in Figures 7 and 8, with a portion of thesecond image 18 shown in Figure 7. - Figure 2 shows the
toy 10 with a portion of thefirst image 16 already having been covered with theouter pieces 14, showing thesecond image 18. Another embodiment (not illustrated) of the design is to have the toy orpuzzle 10 at this stage to begin with, and only have a portion of thesecond image 18 to be formed fromouter pieces 14. - Figures 4 and 5 show one embodiment of the
toy 10 with variousouter pieces 14 attached to thecentral body 12, with the completed puzzle shown in Figure 6, As can be seen from Fig 4 and 5, theouter pieces 14 can be attached independently, and do not have to be assembled in any particular order. - In the embodiment shown in the drawings, magnetic material 20 is used on one side of the outer pieces to connect the
outer pieces 14 to thecentral body 12. However, any number of connecting means, such as snaps or hook-loop fasteners, may be used without departing from the spirit of the design. As well, in this embodiment, the magnetic material 20 is located on the side of the outer pieces which come in contact with thebody 12 and thecentral body 12 is made of a suitable material to provide a magnetic attraction force to the outer pieces, such as ferrous material. However, in an alternate embodiment, theouter pieces 14 could be made of the ferrous material, while thecentral body 12 comprises a magnetic material, such as in the form of a plurality of magnets or a coating of magnetic material. - As was mentioned above, Figure 7 shows the front of a singular
outer piece 14 with a portion of thesecond image 18, while Figure 8 shows the back portion of the sameouter piece 14, with magnetic material 20 inside the back of thepiece 14. In the preferred embodiment, the back of eachouter piece 14 is contoured to fit into any grooves or indentations in its designated location along thecentral body 12. The location on thecentral body 12 of the outer piece from Figure 7 and 8, is shown in Figure 9. Figure 10 shows theouter piece 14 from Figures 7 and 8 being placed into thegap 22 in theouter pieces 14 shown in Figure 9. - These drawings show the
central body 12 in the shape of a dinosaur head, with thefirst image 16 being a dinosaur skull, and thesecond image 18 being the external view of the head, with the skin, eyes, etc. However, this is just one possible embodiment Any possible first and second images may be used, such as thetoy 10 being a super hero, with the first image being a plain clothed man, and the second image being the super hero in costume. - Another possibility that is shown in the drawings, but is not necessary, is to have the
central body 12 rest upon astand 24. - Shown in the drawings is the preferred embodiment. Other changes or modfications may be made without departed from the spirit of the intended invention.
- Thus, while there have shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.
Claims (11)
- A toy or puzzle apparatus, comprising:a) a three-dimensional central body;b) a first image on the central body; andc) a plurality of outer pieces configured in puzzle-type arrangement, including a second image and means to connect the outer pieces to the central body.
- The toy apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer pieces completely cover the central body when connected.
- The toy apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting means are magnets.
- The toy apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the outer pieces contain magnets and the central body includes magnetic material.
- The toy apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the central body contains magnets and the outer pieces include magnetic material.
- The toy apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting means are snaps.
- The toy apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting means comprises hook and loop fasteners.
- The toy apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central body rests upon a stand.
- The toy apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first image is related to the second image.
- The toy apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the central body is shaped like an animal, the first image is of a skeletal view of the animal, and the second image is an external view of the animal.
- The toy apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the central body is shaped like a human being.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/958,818 US20060071424A1 (en) | 2004-10-05 | 2004-10-05 | Three-dimensional puzzle |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1645312A1 true EP1645312A1 (en) | 2006-04-12 |
Family
ID=35459332
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP04258174A Withdrawn EP1645312A1 (en) | 2004-10-05 | 2004-12-30 | Three-dimensional puzzle |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060071424A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1645312A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2004242425A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2490985A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3505221A4 (en) * | 2016-08-29 | 2020-04-01 | Future Cyber, Inc | Prefabricated dinosaur model |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150035231A1 (en) * | 2013-07-31 | 2015-02-05 | Rainstorm Ventures | Puzzle game having associated internal and external images |
Citations (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2455468A1 (en) * | 1979-05-04 | 1980-11-28 | Levy Francis | Three dimensional jigsaw puzzle - reproduces statue using small pieces fixed onto core with pins engaging mortices in core |
CH639288A5 (en) * | 1979-05-11 | 1983-11-15 | Raplast Ag | Three-dimensional puzzle |
US4494935A (en) * | 1983-12-29 | 1985-01-22 | Miller Anna L | Multipurpose globe |
US5090910A (en) * | 1988-10-14 | 1992-02-25 | Narlo Jeanie R | Multiple three dimensional facial display system |
US5165689A (en) * | 1991-02-05 | 1992-11-24 | Forsse Earl K | Three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle sculpture |
US5480341A (en) * | 1994-10-21 | 1996-01-02 | Strottman International, Inc. | Educational skeleton toy with outer shell |
DE29704936U1 (en) * | 1997-03-18 | 1997-08-21 | Kobbert Max Juergen Prof Dr | Three-dimensional puzzle |
DE29620409U1 (en) * | 1996-11-22 | 1998-03-19 | Diefenbach Berndt | Decoration device |
US20020098467A1 (en) * | 2001-01-22 | 2002-07-25 | Dente Julie A. | Muscle learning assemblage |
US20030234488A1 (en) * | 2002-06-20 | 2003-12-25 | Cary Povitz | Multiple game block assembly |
Family Cites Families (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1629582A (en) * | 1925-07-30 | 1927-05-24 | George C Mcclintock | Sectional-map apparatus |
US2957251A (en) * | 1958-12-24 | 1960-10-25 | Nystad Ruth | Educational jigsaw globe puzzles |
US3107918A (en) * | 1959-09-17 | 1963-10-22 | Edlen George | Puzzle |
US3009265A (en) * | 1960-05-09 | 1961-11-21 | Superior Plastics Inc | Anatomical device |
US3213550A (en) * | 1962-11-13 | 1965-10-26 | Denoyer Geppert Company | Anatomical model |
US3851884A (en) * | 1973-05-30 | 1974-12-03 | R Myller | Three dimensional sheet puzzle |
IT1059313B (en) * | 1976-01-28 | 1982-05-31 | Tecnogiocattoli Spa | COMPOSITION SYSTEM OF A SPHERICAL SHAPED TOY BY MODULAR ELEMENTS AND RESULTING TOY |
US4874176A (en) * | 1987-03-31 | 1989-10-17 | Seymour Auerbach | Three-dimensional puzzle |
US5203847A (en) * | 1989-09-29 | 1993-04-20 | Magnaplay Inc. | Multiple layer magnetic puzzle |
FR2733433B1 (en) * | 1995-04-28 | 1997-06-27 | Bahramian Mohammad Hossein | THREE-DIMENSIONAL PUZZLE WITH MAGNETIC AND MECHANICAL COHESION |
US6015150A (en) * | 1997-09-24 | 2000-01-18 | Giguere; Marcel | Three-dimensional puzzle assembly |
DE29809820U1 (en) * | 1998-05-15 | 1998-08-13 | Weber Jean Marc | Composable symmetrical body |
US6095521A (en) * | 1998-09-25 | 2000-08-01 | Patel; Ajay | Three-dimensional puzzle |
US6655685B2 (en) * | 2002-03-07 | 2003-12-02 | Tsai Ching-Hung | Three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle |
EP1342492A1 (en) * | 2002-03-08 | 2003-09-10 | Maria Teresa Ruiz Gonzalez | Composition toy |
US7021625B2 (en) * | 2002-03-12 | 2006-04-04 | Simmons Terry L | Three-dimensional puzzle |
-
2004
- 2004-10-05 US US10/958,818 patent/US20060071424A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-12-22 CA CA002490985A patent/CA2490985A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-12-23 AU AU2004242425A patent/AU2004242425A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-12-30 EP EP04258174A patent/EP1645312A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2455468A1 (en) * | 1979-05-04 | 1980-11-28 | Levy Francis | Three dimensional jigsaw puzzle - reproduces statue using small pieces fixed onto core with pins engaging mortices in core |
CH639288A5 (en) * | 1979-05-11 | 1983-11-15 | Raplast Ag | Three-dimensional puzzle |
US4494935A (en) * | 1983-12-29 | 1985-01-22 | Miller Anna L | Multipurpose globe |
US5090910A (en) * | 1988-10-14 | 1992-02-25 | Narlo Jeanie R | Multiple three dimensional facial display system |
US5165689A (en) * | 1991-02-05 | 1992-11-24 | Forsse Earl K | Three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle sculpture |
US5480341A (en) * | 1994-10-21 | 1996-01-02 | Strottman International, Inc. | Educational skeleton toy with outer shell |
DE29620409U1 (en) * | 1996-11-22 | 1998-03-19 | Diefenbach Berndt | Decoration device |
DE29704936U1 (en) * | 1997-03-18 | 1997-08-21 | Kobbert Max Juergen Prof Dr | Three-dimensional puzzle |
US20020098467A1 (en) * | 2001-01-22 | 2002-07-25 | Dente Julie A. | Muscle learning assemblage |
US20030234488A1 (en) * | 2002-06-20 | 2003-12-25 | Cary Povitz | Multiple game block assembly |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3505221A4 (en) * | 2016-08-29 | 2020-04-01 | Future Cyber, Inc | Prefabricated dinosaur model |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20060071424A1 (en) | 2006-04-06 |
AU2004242425A1 (en) | 2006-04-27 |
CA2490985A1 (en) | 2006-04-05 |
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PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
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AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR |
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AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
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17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20061011 |
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AKX | Designation fees paid |
Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR |
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17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20071126 |
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STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN |
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18D | Application deemed to be withdrawn |
Effective date: 20080607 |