EP2531265A1

EP2531265A1 - Labyrinthgame

Info

Publication number: EP2531265A1
Application number: EP11703496A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Cornelis Gerardus Johannes Vissers
Original assignee: Santman Gerrit Dinand
Current assignee: Santman Gerrit Dinand
Priority date: 2010-02-04
Filing date: 2011-01-19
Publication date: 2012-12-12
Also published as: NL2004190C2; WO2011096796A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a game device comprising a block (3) and a bar (2), wherein the block has a receiving space (30) which is accessible to the bar and in which the bar can be rotated and displaced so that it is accommodated in a fitted manner. The block and the bar are provided with a system which guides the block across the bar. This system, on the one hand, comprises a radial protrusion (20) and, on the other hand, a labyrinth - like guide formed by slots and walls for the protrusion. The guiding system furthermore comprises a one-way slot (60) which does not form part of the labyrinth-like guide.

Description

LABYRINTHGAME

The invention relates to a game device of the labyrinth type.

A game device of this type is known from NL9101451 and commercially available under the brand name Doolorinth. The game device essentially comprises two parts; a block and a bar. The block contains a receiving space in which the bar can be accommodated. The bar can be accommodated in the receiving space in a fitted manner. The bar can be displaced and rotated in the receiving space. The known game device has a cylindrical bar and a cylindrical bore hole in the block.

With the known game device, the displacement and rotation of the bar is limited, when the latter is accommodated in the receiving space, by a protrusion projecting from the bar, a pin, which is accommodated in a labyrinth-type guide which is formed in an inner wall which surrounds the receiving space. The labyrinth-type guide comprises a slot in which the protrusion is accommodated. The slot is surrounded by walls, as a result of which the protrusion can only move in the slot, thus limiting the freedom of movement of the bar with respect to the block.

The labyrinth-type guide is formed in the interior parts of the game device, on the boundary surface between the bar and the inner wall which surrounds the receiving space in the block. The guide is thus not visible to the user, who can manipulate the bar and the block to a limited extent with respect to one another using both hands.

The abovementioned two parts of the game device are produced separately from one another. The known game device thus consists of two separate parts. It is an object of the present invention to develop the known game device further, in particular to facilitate bringing the bar and the block together in order to start the game.

This object is achieved by providing a game device, comprising a block and a bar, wherein the block has a receiving space which is accessible to the bar and in which the bar can be rotated and displaced so that it is accommodated in a fitted manner, wherein the block and the bar are provided with a system which guides the block across the bar, which system, on the one hand, comprises a radial protrusion and, on the other hand, a labyrinth-like guide formed by slots and walls for the protrusion, wherein the guiding system furthermore comprises a one-way slot, wherein the one-way slot does not form part of the labyrinth-like guide. The one-way slot allows a certain degree of manipulation of the bar with respect to the block in a single direction, in which case the manipulation is irreversible. As a result thereof, it is possible to add an additional functionality to the game, for example achieving an assembled state of the bar and the block, which state forms the starting position of the game. The bar and the block can be brought together into the starting position by positioning the radial protrusion at a certain position outside or inside the labyrinth-like guide via the one-way slot, which does not form part of the labyrinth-like guide. In the starting position, the bar is at least partly situated in the receiving space of the block while the labyrinth-like guide is at all times at least partly invisible to the user. The game device is now in a working game position. By configuring the one-way slot as an axial slot, it is possible to position the block on the bar by means of a simple mechanical operation and produce the assembled state. The bar and the block can only be detached from one another after the radial protrusion has been manoeuvred by displacement and rotation from the starting position via the labyrinth-like guide to an exit thereof. The game has then been completed successfully. Thereafter, the game can be played again by taking the radial protrusion to the starting position via the one-way slot.

By incorporating one or more one-way slots in the labyrinth-like guide, the degree of difficulty of the puzzle can be increased significantly. If the radial protrusion, for example a pin, is manoeuvred into and beyond a one-way slot as a result of an incorrect choice, the game can only be continued from this position. An embodiment of a one-way slot is a slot wherein a one-way mechanism is provided.

The one-way mechanism may comprise, for example, a flap and a spring, wherein the spring prestresses the flap into a position in which the flap closes off the slot. In this case, the flap may bear against a seat which is provided in the slot in order to produce the one-way action. The protrusion may pass the flap in one direction if the player moves the bar in such a manner that prestress, which is small an yway, is overcome and the flap is pushed out of the way. When the protrusion has passed the flap, the spring will prestress the flap again in the closed position in which the flap bears against the seat. It is subsequently impossible to pass the flap on the other side. The path along which the protrusion is moving has been blocked.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the one-way slot is configured to guide the protrusion across a wall. Thus, the protrusion can, from the one-way slot, end up in a different position, for example in a slot of the labyrinth-like guide. In an embodiment of the present invention, the protrusion is formed on the bar and extends in the radial direction. Furthermore, an inner wall of the block which surrounds the receiving space is provided with the labyrinth-like guide and the one-way slot. As a result thereof, the labyrinth-like guide will not be visible to the player of the game. In addition, the labyrinth-like guide will not be completely visible from a viewpoint when the block has not been pushed over the bar.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the radial protrusion may be formed on the inner wall which surrounds the receiving space of the block and the labyrinthlike guide may be provided in an outer wall of the bar.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the receiving space in the block is a through-opening in the block comprising two peripheral edges, wherein the labyrinthlike guide has a beginning and an end, formed by a slot entrance formed in each peripheral edge. Via these access slots, the radial protrusion formed on the bar can be taken to the start of the labyrinth-like guide on a side of the block. The game can commence. If the player manoeuvres the protrusion through the labyrinth-like guide via the correct path by means of manipulations of the block and/or the bar, the protrusion will, on the other side of the block, reach the end of the labyrinth-like guide and can then be pushed out of the labyrinth-like guide via the access slot. The block can be removed from the bar and the puzzle is solved.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the one-way slot comprises a slot entrance formed in the peripheral edge. Via this slot entrance, the protrusion can be introduced into the one-way slot. By then moving the block and/or the bar in axial direction, the block can be placed onto the bar, in which case the block cannot be pushed off the bar by applying the same manipulation. The block can only be removed from the bar after the puzzle has been solved.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the one-way slot has a depth which is sufficient to accommodate the protrusion therein, wherein the depth decreases near an end remote from the slot entrance. As the depth of the one-way slot decreases, the player will feel an increase in resistance. The resistance can be overcome by force and the protrusion can be taken, for example, beyond the peripheral edge on the other side of the block or land in a slot of the labyrinth-like guide. In the first example, the block is pushed over the bar completely. The radial protrusion can then be positioned at the start of the labyrinth-like guide via a slot entrance, after which a start can be made in solving the puzzle. The second example relates, for example, to the case where the starting position is situated somewhere in the labyrinth-like guide. In this case, the protrusion is positioned somewhere in the labyrinth-like guide via the one-way slot. In this case, the block is pushed partly over the bar and the radial protrusion is situated in the labyrinth-like guide.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the one-way slot extends substantially in an axial direction of the bar or the receiving space. By means of such a one-way slot, the entire labyrinth-like guide can be passed by and the protrusion can be positioned in a starting position at the start of the labyrinth-like guide. In this case, the block can be placed on the bar, with the bar being accommodated in the receiving space.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the labyrinth-like guide is produced by means of injection-moulding and/or casting. These techniques make it possible to produce the labyrinth-like guide efficiently with respect to consumption of material. In addition, injection-moulding and or casting of the labyrinth-like guide can be effected in a significantly shorter amount of time than, for example, milling thereof. As a result, it should be possible to achieve a cost price which would result in a good market position.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the labyrinth-like guide comprises plastic. In order to keep the materials costs as low as possible, plastic is a good choice of material from which to produce the labyrinth-like guide. In addition, the use of plastic offers the possibility to provide a lightweight game device which can readily be handled, for example, by children. Furthermore, the use of plastic makes it readily possible to use different colours.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the plastic is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. This type of plastic offers the possibility of increasing the durability, for example the resistance to wear, of the labyrinth-like guide.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the labyrinth-like guide comprises metal. The use of metal offers the possibility of further increasing the durability of the labyrinth-like guide compared to a guide made of plastic.

In a last embodiment of the present invention, the metal is aluminium or stainless steel. The use of aluminium offers the possibility of combining the advantages of improved durability and a relatively light weight. In order to reduce the costs, yet counteract negative aspects, such as corrosion, stainless steel is a suitable choice of material.

Although the invention is described below with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. The invention is described by means of measures, in which case explicit advantages may be mentioned, but in which case implicit advantages may also apply. The subject matter of the invention of this application or of a divisional patent application may relate to each of these measures, some combinations of which are explicitly described and or illustrated in this description, but which may also be described implicitly. Although the drawings show explicit combinations of measures, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that a number of the measures can also be applied separately.

Embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a game device according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 shows a cross section of an embodiment of the block from Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 diagrammatically shows a perspective view of a slot configured in order to guide the protrusion according to an embodiment of the invention across a wall.

Although the illustrated embodiments in each case show a bar 10 and a block 11, with the protrusion being formed on the bar 1 and the guiding pattern being formed on the block, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the block may also have a protrusion which can be received in the guiding pattern formed on the bar.

The game device 1 comprises a bar part 2 and a block part 3. Fig. 1 shows bar part 2 and block part 3 separated from one another. It is possible for a connecting part, such as a piece of string, to connect the two parts 2,3 to one another, thus preventing parts becoming lost. The bar part 2 and the block part 3 can be formed by means of a suitable production method. It is advantageous to use injection-moulding, since the two parts can thereby be formed in a quick manner and with efficient use of material, but other techniques are also possible. Coloured materials may also be used. It is possible to use a colour to designate the degree of difficulty of the game 1. ABS is a suitable plastic, for example, but several materials are possible. Bar part 2 has a bar 10, in this case a cylindrical bar. Other shapes are also possible. In an embodiment, the bar 10 has a rectangular cross section. Bar 10 has a longitudinal axis 12. Preferably, bar 10 has a portion 12 with a fixed periphery, in particular a fixed diameter, which extends in the axial direction.

At a first end 14, a retaining part 15 is formed in the form of a club which can be held in the hand. The user of the game device can take this retaining part 15 into one of his hands. The bar 12 may be connected to the retaining part in various ways.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bar 10 has a protrusion 20 on the portion 12. This protrusion projects in the radial direction. The protrusion may have a large number of shapes. In one embodiment, it is integrally formed with the bar 10, but it may also be a part which is fitted later. Protrusion 20 projects from the outer surface of the bar 10.

The protrusion 20 is formed in such a manner that it is the furthest projecting part of the bar 10. Upon an axial movement in accordance with arrow 19, the protrusion will possibly knock against a fixed part.

The game device 1 furthermore comprises a block part 3. Block part 3 may be a block which a user can hold in his hand. The game device thus has two parts which the user can hold in two hands and which can be manipulated separate from one another.

In the illustrated embodiment, the block part 3 is cylindrical and tubular and comprises a receiving space 30. In another embodiment, the block part has an outer surface which is rectangular.

The receiving space 30 has an axial direction, likewise denoted by reference numeral 11.

The bar 10 can be introduced into the receiving space 30. The outer surface of the bar 10 preferably fits exactly inside the inner surface of the receiving space. The diameter of the bar, except for the protrusion 20, is smaller than the diameter of the interior space 30.

The receiving space is cylindrical. This makes it possible to rotate the bar 10 around the axial direction 11 according to arrow 32, as well as displace 19 it in the axial direction when the bar 10 is accommodated in the receiving space 30 of block 3.

However, this rotating movement 32 and displacing movement 19 are limited by the interaction between protrusion 20 and the labyrinth-type pattern 35 formed on the inner wall of the receiving space 30. When the bar 10 has been placed into the receiving space 30 in a fitted manner, protrusion 20 projects in the radial direction beyond the interior space 30. Yet, it is still possible for a further axial displacement 19 to take place, if the protrusion is aligned with a slot 39 which is formed in the inner surface of the receiving space and has a depth which is sufficient to accommodate the protrusion 20 therein. Depth 36 is indicated in Fig. 1.

In Fig. 1 , the peripheral edge 41 of the mouth of the receiving space has two slots 42,43, in which protrusion 20 can optionally be accommodated. If the protrusion 20 is accommodated in a slot, and as a result of the bar 10 being accommodated in the receiving space 30 in a fitted manner, the slot will become a guide which limits the rotation 32 and displacement 19 of the bar with respect to the block 3.

In the example illustrated in Fig. 1, only a substantially axial movement 19 will still be possible when the protrusion 20 has been accommodated in slot 42. When the protrusion 20 is accommodated in the slot 43, only a compound movement comprising axial and rotary movements is still possible. The pattern formed by the slots is preferably a labyrinth which limits the movement of the bar part 2 with respect to the block part 3.

A labyrinth-type guide (or pattern) according to the invention comprises at least one slot which is connected to two other slots by a node 44, in which case one of the other slots is a dead-end slot 45.

A labyrinth-type pattern is shown in more detail in Fig. 2. The labyrinth pattern may comprise axial slots, slots in the peripheral direction and slots having a spiral shape. The slots are surrounded by walls, with a wall effectively forming the (unrecessed) inner surface 52 of the receiving space 1.

Block part 50 is shown as a cross section through the receiving space 51. As a result thereof, the labyrinth pattern 53 formed on the inner surface 52 of the receiving space 51 is visible.

A slot 55 is a recess in the inner wall 52 in which the protrusion can be accommodated. The illustrated pattern 53 has three nodes, in which case a wrong choice as a result of manipulation of the bar part 2 with respect to block part 3 leads to a dead-end slot. The user will notice that no further manipulation is possible and will have to return to the node in order to now possibly make the correct choice.

As the labyrinth is formed on the inner side of the block part 3, it is not visible to the user.

The object of the game is to place the block part 3 on the bar 10 in its entirety, and/or to remove the block part from the bar, respectively. The guiding system furthermore comprises a special slot 60 which is illustrated in Fig. 2, which slot does not form part of the labyrinth-like guide. In the illustrated embodiment, this slot 60 extends along the entire axial length of the inner wall 52 of block part 50. However, it is possible for the slot to extend along a portion of the axial length and/or for the slot 60 to also comprise a component in the peripheral direction. Slot 60 is recessed near the peripheral edge 61 of the receiving space 51, visibly indicated in Fig. 2 by means of the recess 62. The slot 60 does not have a recess near the other peripheral edge 63 of the receiving space 51. The depth of the slot, that is to say the degree to which the bottom of the slot 60 is situated below the inner surface 52, has become virtually zero near the peripheral edge. According to the invention, the slot has a depth which is smaller than the degree to which the protrusion 20 projects from the outer surface of bar 10.

In the illustrated embodiment, the depth of the slot 60 decreases from peripheral edge 61 to peripheral edge 63. If desired, the depth decreases more abruptly near the peripheral edge 63.

The slot 60 makes it possible to place the block part 3, 50 on the bar 10, for example directly after the two parts have been assembled. By aligning the protrusion 20 with the slot 60 and then moving the bar or the block part axially, block part 50 can be placed on the bar. As the depth of the slot 60 decreases, a resistance will be felt. The resistance can be overcome by force and when the protrusion 20 has been pushed beyond the peripheral edge 63, the block part 3,50 has been placed on the bar. According to the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 2, the only way to remove the block part 50 from the bar part 2 again is by aligning protrusion 20 with recess 65 of the labyrinth pattern 53 and manoeuvring the bar part 2 and the block part 3,50 by rotation and displacement through the labyrinth.

Slot 60 is a kind of one-way slot, wherein a protrusion 20 accommodated in the slot can be displaced from peripheral edge 61 to peripheral edge 63 according to arrow 66, but not the other way around.

Slot 60 is surrounded by walls and slot 60 is configured to guide the protrusion across the wall. This guiding across the wall is effectively a push-through connection.

Peripheral edge 61 has two recesses 62 and 67. In the illustrated embodiment, peripheral edge 63 has only one recess 65, but may also have several recesses similar to 65, as a result of which a player has to make a choice right at the start which recess he will have to take in order to solve the puzzle.

It is possible for the one-way slot to finish at a different spot than near a peripheral edge 63. In an embodiment, the one-way slot 60 ends near a central part of the labyrinth-type guide 53. The block part can then be placed partly over the bar by means of the one-way slot.

Fig. 3 diagrammatically shows a perspective view of a slot 70 configured to guide the protrusion according to an embodiment of the invention across a wall. Slot 70 is formed in the inner surface 71 of the receiving space of the block part 3,50. The slot is partially cut-away.

Slot 70 has an entrance 72 which is formed in the peripheral edge 73. The slot 70 has a depth 75. The depth 75 is sufficient to accommodate protrusion 20 therein, while the bar 10 is accommodated in the receiving space in a fitted manner.

The slot 70 extends, for example, in the direction 76, for example the axial direction. The slot is surrounded on both sides by walls 77 and 78. Wall 77 is illustrated by means of dashed lines. The bottom 79 of slot 70 ascends in the direction 76, the depth of the slot 70 decreases. The slot effectively passes into a wall part 80 which is situated near one end 81 of the slot 70. As a result of the gradual ascent of the bottom 79, it is possible to manipulate the protrusion in such a manner that it crosses wall part 80.

The slot 60, 70 makes it possible to produce the parts (bar part 2, block part 3) of the game device 1 separate from one another and to subsequently assemble the game device by placing the block on the bar and to move the protrusion 20 beyond the wall part 80.

In an embodiment (not shown), a slot comprises an obstacle, such as an elevation, which results in a decrease in the depth of said slot. Near the obstacle, the depth of the slot is less than the length by which the protrusion projects into the slot. The obstacle will be felt by the user. By configuring the obstacle as having a sloping bottom and a decreasing slot depth, it will be possible for the user, for example, to pass the obstacle in one direction, thus making further manipulation of the game possible.

In an embodiment, the one-way slot forms part of the labyrinth-type guide and, in another embodiment, the one-way slot exists alongside the labyrinth-type guide. In an embodiment, the game device comprises several one-way slots. In an embodiment, the game device comprises differently configured one-way slots.

In an embodiment, the one-way slot comprises a flap element which is similar to a one-way flap and is placed in the slot. The flap element can swing open in one direction, as a result of which the protrusion can pass said flap element, while swinging in the other direction is prevented, for example by the flap resting against a stop or flap seat.

In yet another embodiment, the one-way slot is provided with a movable stop. The stop may be moved from a position in which the slot is not blocked to a position in which the slot is blocked, for example by the user or, once only, by the manufacturer.

It is particularly advantageous if the manufacturer of the separate parts of the game device assembles these, with the block being arranged on top of the bar, as the game device is then in a working game position. Referring to the exemplary embodiment from Fig. 2, the block 50 is placed over the bar with the peripheral edge 61 first.

Claims

1. Game device comprising a block and a bar, wherein the block has a receiving space which is accessible to the bar and in which the bar can be rotated and displaced so that it is accommodated in a fitted manner, wherein the block and the bar are provided with a system which guides the block across the bar, which system, on the one hand, comprises a radial protrusion and, on the other hand, a labyrinth-like guide formed by slots and walls for the protrusion, wherein the guiding system furthermore comprises a one-way slot, wherein the one-way slot does not form part of the labyrinth- like guide.

2. Game device according to Claim 1, wherein the one-way slot is configured to guide the protrusion across a wall.

3. Game device according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the protrusion is formed on the bar and extends in the radial direction and wherein an inner wall of the block which surrounds the receiving space is provided with the labyrinth-like guide and the one-way slot.

4. Game device according to Claim 3, wherein the receiving space in the block is a through-opening in the block having two peripheral edges, wherein the labyrinth-like guide has a beginning and an end, formed by a slot entrance formed in each peripheral edge.

5. Game device according to Claim 4, wherein the one-way slot comprises a slot entrance formed in the peripheral edge.

6. Game device according to Claim 5, wherein the one-way slot has a depth which is sufficient to accommodate the protrusion therein, wherein the depth decreases near an end remote from the slot entrance.

7. Game device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the one-way slot extends substantially in an axial direction of the bar or the receiving space.

8. Game device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the labyrinth-like guide is produced by means of injection-moulding and/or casting.

9. Game device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the labyrinth-like guide comprises plastic.

10. Game device according to Claim 8, wherein the plastic is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

11. Game device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the labyrinth-like guide comprises metal.

12. Game device according to Claim 10, wherein the metal is aluminium or stainless steel.