ES2247844T3 - ANIMATED PUZZLE THAT HAS INTERCONNECTION ELEMENTS. - Google Patents

Abstract

Animated puzzle comprising: - a base (11) defining an outer wall (12), an inner wall (83), an essentially flat surface (13) between them and a cavity (82) and an opening (84) formed in the interior of said inner wall (83), said inner wall (83) being formed by a first and second arcuate section that look like a pair of partially intersecting circles; - a first post (81) disposed inside said arcuate section and a second post (80) disposed inside said second arcuate section, wherein said second post (80) is positioned inside said cavity ( 82); drive means (50), pivotally disposed on said base (12) and having engagement means (52) extending through said opening (84) formed in said inner wall (83); - a first animated element (61) having a first gear (62) located thereon, said first gear (62) defining a first opening (63) for a gear; - a second animated element (60) having a second gear (65) located thereon, said second gear (65) defining a second opening (66) for a gear; and - a plurality of interconnecting puzzle pieces (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41) and that join each other, - said first and second being animated elements (61, 60) constructed to be rotatably mounted on said first and second post (81, 80) such that said first and second gears (62, 65) engage and said second gear (65) also meshes with said engagement means .

Description

Animated puzzle that has elements of interconnection.

Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a puzzles and in particular those who have a animated or moving feature in combination with this one.

Background of the invention

For many years the puzzles have enjoyed consistent and growing popularity among a Wide variety of games. The puzzles are frequently used by extremely young children as well as adults mature. Not surprisingly, the practitioners of the subject have responded to this long term and wide popularity at Provide a variety of virtually endless puzzles. One of the attractive aspects of the puzzles as the Manufacturers is its easy adaptability to adapt to age, development and skills of a particular user. While all puzzles basically include the same elements basics that are a plurality of essentially flat elements of irregular shape that join when mounted in a correct way. Each element of the puzzle presents a small portion of a full image such that when properly combined the pieces of the puzzle depicted an image or photograph particular. Certain puzzles have also been provided with a reinforcement that has a lace frame for the elements of the puzzle.

In this way, practitioners can vary the elements such as the size and complexity of the elements of the puzzle for a particular age group.

The basic game settings of puzzle has proven to be an excellent tool for the skills development that require the exercise of skills such as the relationship of spaces, distinction of forms, combination of colors and solution to problems.

Perhaps one of the most interesting developments in the matter of puzzles has been a variety called "animated" puzzles. While it usually occurs some variation in the operation the animation is provided with puzzle elements that are movable in response to the user manipulation of a lever, wheel or similar element. For example, US Patent 3,417,996 issued to Janiszewski exposes a "Puzzle with pieces swivels "which has a support board on which it they have a plurality of rotating elements. A plurality of coupling gears keeps the rotating parts so that provide a concurrent movement in response to movement of one of the gears of the rotating element. A plurality of unattached union puzzle pieces is assembled around the rotating parts joining them to complete the puzzle

US Patent 2,585,419 issued to Zarlengo exposes an "animated puzzle" that has a board of support defining a plurality of cubic portions in its inside. A plurality of figures each formed of another plurality of union puzzle components is arranged on the board swivel using the sections of lace. In addition, connection joints between the parts of the puzzles to produce the movement of all the pieces when a piece of the puzzle is turned on.

US Patent 4,202,134 issued to Morrison exposes a "Water Toy" formed by a plurality of interconnection puzzle pieces made with a lightweight floating material. When assembled, the pieces of the puzzle are linked with a mounting relationship selected to provide an animal figure, such as a fish.

US Patent 4,508,348 issued to Lapointe exposes an "Animated Puzzle Block Game" which has an open box above that includes side walls and at least one base. A plurality of blocks is provided. Similar regulars to be removably placed in a box. At least one of the blocks includes a coupled mobile part. The moving part includes an upper face that occupies a limited section by one of the faces of at least one of the blocks to constitute A lively stretch.

English patent GB 2,091,566 discloses a "Game apparatus" that has a base that holds an element that extends upwardly inclined essentially providing a silhouette of a head. At element that extends upwards includes a plurality of mobile elements and are provided with an interconnection for a movement mechanism arranged inside the base. How result, the user can manipulate facial elements to change expressions, etc.

US Patent 3,748,748 issued to Beva net exposes a "Voice Puzzle Game" to host the selection of a plurality of elements with unique shapes for form a sentence or phrase that is audible through a system of Sound arranged inside the puzzle.

US Patent 3,881,274 issued to Kanda exhibits "Gears geared in units of interconnection and drive means for a mobile toy " formed by a plurality of interconnection elements essentially squares attachable to an adjacent square and each of them having a gear drive element which interconnects under said coupling. When docked jointly a plurality of square pieces, the movement of one of the moving elements produces the corresponding movement of others.

While the previous devices described previously they have improved the subject and in some examples they have enjoyed commercial success, however remains a continuous need in the field to improve more and more, to Entertain, and easily crafted animated puzzles.

Description of the invention

Consequently, it is a general object of the present invention provide an animated puzzle improved. More particularly, it is an object of the present invention provide a perfected animated puzzle that It also includes the perception and understanding of mechanical elements For young children.

In accordance with the present invention, provides an animated puzzle that includes the features of claim 1 wherein the features set forth in the preamble are known in the American patent US-A-3,417,996.

Brief description of the drawings

The characteristics of the present invention, which they are believed new, they are set forth in particular in the claims added. The invention, together with other objects and advantages, can be better understood in reference to the following description together with the accompanying drawings, in the various figures in which equal numerical references identify equal elements and in which:

Figure 1 shows a front view of the animated puzzle of the present invention completely mounted;

Figure 2 shows a rear view of the binding elements of the animated puzzle of the present invention eliminated the rest of the puzzle;

Figure 3 shows the animated elements of the figure 2 that have moved in an alternative configuration of according to the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a sectional view taken at along the lines of section 4-4 of the figure one; Y

Figure 5 shows a partial view in perspective of assembling the animated puzzle of the present invention in which the animated elements have been removed.

Description of the realization

Figure 1 shows a front view of the animated puzzle of the present invention in its configuration of complete assembly and essentially referenced by the number 10. The puzzle 10 includes a base preferably formed by a molded or similar plastic material that defines an outer wall 12 essentially rectangular. Base 11 also includes a Surface 13 for essentially smooth puzzle pieces extending inside the outer wall 12 to a inner wall 83 (best seen in figure 5) to form a smooth surface on which the puzzle pieces fit together. The base 11 further defines an essentially adjacent elevated section 20 to the outer wall 12 which has a curved section 21 and a groove 22 formed in this one. By means of the above with greater detail extends downward in slot 22 a lever 50 having a protuberance 51.

Puzzle 10 also includes a plurality of union puzzle pieces 30-41 bearing each of them an image on a surface. The images Individuals on puzzle pieces 30 through 41 are portions of a complete image combined according to the Conventional puzzle manufacturing. In addition, according to the manufacturing of conventional puzzles each of the pieces of the 30-41 puzzle presents multitude of edges curves that join with adjacent puzzle pieces to Form a combined image.

In accordance with the present invention and the means set forth below in figure 4, puzzle 10 includes furthermore an animated element 60 located above the pieces of the puzzle 30-41 as shown below. The puzzle also includes an animated element 61 located between Element 60 and puzzle pieces 30-41. The apparatus by which the animated element 60 and the animated element 61 is shown in greater detail in Figure 4. Without However, it is enough to emphasize here that the animated element 60 which is raised above the animated element 61 allows the elements 60 and 61 move with each other without contact or contact to interfere with the movement of the elements.

Through the above in more detail in the Figure 2, animated elements 60 and 61 include the respective gears 65 and 62 that engage and engage with elements 60 and 61 together. As best seen in Figure 2, the lever 50 includes a toothed segment 52 that meshes with the gear 65 of the animated element 60.

In the early game configuration of the puzzle 10, the user moves the bulge 51 inside the slot 22 in any direction to perform the movement swivel lever 50. According to the connections of gears shown in figure 2, the rotational movement of the lever 50 causes the corresponding rotating movements of the animated element 60 and animated element 61 with respect to the surface with the image on the puzzle pieces 30-41. For example, when the bulge 51 is moves in the direction indicated by arrow 70, lever 50 rotates accordingly causing the animated element 60 turn in the direction indicated by arrow 71. In addition, the rotating movement of the animated element 60 makes the element animated 61 turn in the direction indicated with 72. Conversely, the movement of the protuberance 51 in the direction indicated by the arrow 73 rotates element 60 in the direction of arrow 74 and the item 61 in the direction indicated by arrow 75.

As a result, manipulation by the child user of puzzle 10 in the assembled configuration is more entertaining and useful than the game settings provided by the animated puzzles of the prior art. The elements animated puzzle of the present invention move in different heights from the puzzle pieces underlined to facilitate the most complex and interesting movement while at the same time they are made with components easily Mountable and relatively simple. According to the look In addition to the present invention, best seen in Figure 2, the connection of the gear and toothed segment through which the rotating movement with the boss 51 gives rise to the movement of elements 60 and 61 and the assembly of this one in puzzle 10 provides the child user with the additional development of mechanical skills For example, the joining gears and serrated segments used in the present invention must be understood by the child user to fully assemble the puzzle 10 the way it can be seen in figure 1. As result, the child user of a more complex game is presented in the development of skills that is beneficial for very young children

Figure 2 shows a rear view of the animated elements 60 and 61 together with the lever 50 separated from the remainder of puzzle 10 in order to illustrate the mechanism of gear drive Thus the lever 50 defines a protuberance 51 and an opening 54 together with a toothed segment 52. The opening 54 houses a post 55 (shown in Figure 4) formed inside the base 11 to provide a pivoting support for lever 50. Animated element 60 holds a gear 65 on its rear surface having an opening 66 formed in is. Similarly, animated element 61 holds a gear 62 on its rear surface which in turn defines an opening 63.

When mounting the drive train by gears shown in figure 2 it will be apparent that the toothed segment 52 gears with gear 65 while the gear 65 also gear with the 62. It will also be noted that the toothed segment 52 and lever 50 as well as the animated element they are both positioned below or behind the element animated 60. This relative positioning facilitates the capabilities of the aforementioned movement of elements 60 and 61 with respect each other.

Figure 2 is a rear view of the sections animated puzzle of the present invention that as shown in figure 3 have moved in response to the lever swivel 50. More specifically, the animated element 60 has a gear 65 having an opening 66. An animated element 61 it has a gear 62 having an opening 63 formed in East. A lever 50 having a protuberance 51 is rotatably arranged in an opening 54 and includes a segment gear 52. The gear segment 52 and gear 62 engage with the gear 65 of element 60.

In the example of Figure 3, the boss 51 of the lever 50 has moved in the direction indicated by the arrow 45. This movement of the lever 50 produces a movement corresponding clockwise segment toothed 52 which due to the coupling with the gear 65 causes a counterclockwise rotation of gear 65. This counterclockwise rotation Internal counterclockwise moves to element 60 causing the rotation in the direction indicated by arrow 46. Concurrently the turn counterclockwise of the gear 65 causes the rotation of the gear 62 in the clockwise direction that turn the element 61 in the direction in the direction of the clockwise indicated by arrow 47. It will be evident to those experts in the field that the movements in direction opposite of elements 60 and 61 an element of interest added to Animated puzzle of the present invention. It will also turn out evident to those skilled in the art that the movement of lever 50 in the opposite direction from that indicated by the arrow 45 produces the movements in the corresponding opposite direction of elements 60 and 61 such that they define an inverted reflection substantial configuration of the elements shown in the figure 3.

Figure 4 shows a partial section view of the puzzle of the present invention taken along the section line 4-4 in figure 1. A base 11 defines an outer wall 12 and a surface 13 for the pieces of the puzzle that extends inwards from the wall 12. The surface 13 for the puzzle pieces above mentioned defines an essentially smooth surface on which place the plurality of puzzle pieces (the pieces of the puzzle 30-41 seen in figure 1). How it can be seen better in figure 5, the base 11 further defines a wall interior 83 and a cylindrical post 81. As can best be seen in Figure 5, the base 11 further defines a cavity 82 having a essentially 80 cylindrical post. A lever 50 defines a opening 54 that houses a post 55 formed in the base 11 to hold the lever 50 rotatably on the base 11. The lever 50 it also includes a toothed segment 52 that extends through an opening 83 formed in the base 11 in the cavity 82. An element Animated 60 includes a support 67 for essentially gear cylindrical and a gear 65 fixed thereto. Gear 65 defines an opening 66 which rotatably rotates the gear 65 over the post 80 formed in base 11. As a result, gear 65 rotates inside the cavity 82. The gear 65 is coupled to the toothed segment 52.

An animated element 61 includes a gear 62 which has an opening 63 formed therein. The opening 63 allows that gear 62 be rotatably placed on post 81 formed in the base 11. In addition, the gear 62 meshes with the gear 65. An inner wall 83 (see better in figure 5) form a configuration of eight figures and define an interior wall against which it interconnects with the pieces of puzzle 31, 33, 34, 35, 37, 40 and 41 with a contact relationship (see figure 5).

It should be noted that according to one aspect important of the puzzle pieces of the present invention, as for example, pieces 31 and 37 form the lowest level of the assembled puzzle while animated element 60 forms the Highest element of the animated puzzle. The animated element 61 is interposed between piece 31 of the puzzle and the element animated 60. The result is a puzzle structure with multiple levels very nice and interesting that has turned out to be Extremely entertaining for very young children.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the assembling the puzzle of the present invention in which they have removed animated elements 60 and 61. As described previously, puzzle 10 includes a base 11 that has a outer wall 12 essentially including a surface 13 for Flat puzzle pieces. Base 11 also defines a section raised 20 having a curved edge 21 and a groove 22 formed about this. The base 11 further defines an inner wall 83 that define a wall by way of eight figures formed by the intersection of circles and a cylindrical cavity 82. Cavity 82 defines its once an opening 83 in the wall. A cylindrical post 81 extends upwards approximately from the center of the wall radius interior 83. A similar but larger post 80 also with a general cylindrical shape extends upward from the lower surface of the cavity 82.

A lever 50 has a protuberance 51 in the inside of the groove 22 and a toothed segment 52. As it has been exposed above, the lever is rotatably fixed on the base 11 such that the toothed segment 52 is arranged partially in the cavity 82 through the opening 83. Returning provisionally to figure 4, it will be emphasized that the prolongation of toothed segment 52 in cavity 82 provides the coupling of gear between these. Also, with provisional reference to the figure 4, it will be seen that the gear 66 has sufficient height to facilitate the gearing of the gear 62 that rotates on the pole 81.

In accordance with the desire to provide a puzzle activity, puzzle 10 includes a plurality of curved interconnection puzzle pieces of varied form 30-41. According to another practice Conventional in the manufacture of puzzles, various elements with images such as element 25 on surfaces Top pieces of the puzzle. To facilitate the manufacture of the puzzle of the present invention, certain puzzle pieces 30-41 define edges arches that fit against the inner wall 83 to allow the placement of puzzle pieces. For example, the piece of puzzle 41 defines arched edges 48 and 49 that fit the adjacent section of inner wall 83 when mounting the puzzle.

Once the puzzle of the present invention it has been mounted in the manner indicated in figure 5 and after it has placed the last piece 41 of the puzzle in its position adequate, the assembly is completed when initially assembling the element animated 61 on post 81. Finally, animated element 60 is placed on post 80 allowing gear 65 to engage with the gear 62 and the toothed segment 52 (see Figure 3). From according to the increase in mechanical ability previously mentioned for very young children, the assembly of the elements animated with the rest of puzzle 10 requires the user child adjust the relative rotating positions of each element with respect to the toothed segment 52 and with the rest to provide the complete interconnection assembly required to complete the puzzle. It will also be noted that the relationship between animated elements 60 and 61 shown in figure 1 is not a exclusive mounting position. Due to the gear structure used in the coupling must be an effort and also some mechanical skills by young users to get the proper positioning of animated elements 60 and 61 shown in figure 1.

What has been shown is a new puzzle animated that has interconnection elements that are arranged to different distances from an underlying puzzle. He inventive puzzle is basically aimed at young children and it is made with interesting elements although relatively simple to provide a complete structure that children they can use to improve their skills in assembling parts of puzzles along with their mechanical skills to get a level of understanding of gears and gear couplings.

While they have been shown and described Particular embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art who can make changes and modifications without departing from the invention in its most aspects wide. Therefore, the purpose of the added claims is to cover all changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims (3)

1. Animated puzzle comprising: - a base (11) defining an outer wall (12), an inner wall (83), a surface (13) essentially flat between them and a cavity (82) and an opening (84) formed in the interior of said interior wall (83), said wall being interior (83) formed by a first and second arched section that they look like a couple of partially intersecting circles; - a first post (81) arranged inside of said arcuate section and a second post (80) arranged in the inside said second arcuate section, in which said second post (80) is positioned inside said cavity (82); drive means (50), arranged so pivoting on said base (12) and having gearing means (52) which extend through said opening (84) formed in said inner wall (83); - a first animated element (61) that has a first gear (62) located on it, said first defining gear (62) a first opening (63) for a gear; - a second animated element (60) that has a second gear (65) located on it, said second defining gear (65) a second opening (66) for a gear; Y - a plurality of puzzle pieces that are interconnect (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41) and that they join each other, - said first and second elements being said animated (61, 60) built to be rotatably mounted on said first and second post (81, 80) such that said first and second gears (62, 65) gear and said second gear (65) it also meshes with said gear means (52). characterized by the fact that:

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Sayings actuation means are formed by a lever (50) and said gearing means are formed by a toothed segment (52), in the that one end of the lever (50) has a protuberance (51) and the other end has the toothed segment (52), and

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bliss inner wall (83) protrudes from said flat surface (13) so that certain pieces of the puzzle that have arched edges (48, 49) interconnect with sections of said inner wall (83) in a contact relationship,

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at that said second animated element (60) is located so separated above said puzzle pieces and said first animated element (61) is located above said pieces of the puzzle and below said second animated element (60).

2. Animated puzzle according to claim 1, characterized in that said first animated element (61) is partially arranged under said second animated element (60). 3. An animated puzzle according to claim 2, characterized in that said base (11) defines an elevated section (20) having a groove (22) for a protuberance and wherein said protuberance (51) is positioned in the inside said groove (22) for the protuberance.