GB2109251A - Puzzle blocks - Google Patents

Abstract

A set of differently shaped units (1 to 13) for forming rectilinear bodies of different shapes, has each unit made up from a plurality of identical cubes secured together at their abutting faces. The units may be assembled into hollow containers. The cube may be coloured or numbered. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION "Game" This invention relates to games of the kind in which a variety of rectilinear shapes can be built up from a set of blocks or other rectilinear pieces and its principal object is to provide an educational game of this kind in which the participants can test their skill in building a body of given shape from a predetermined number of pieces or in devising new shapes which can be built up from the same number of pieces.

To this end, according to the invention, there is provided a set of individual building units of different shapes, each unit being made up of a plurality of identical cubes secured together at their abutting faces and being adapted to interfit with other units in the set to build a variety of rectilinear shapes using all the units each time.

To assist in the building of structures of certain specified shapes the set of units may be provided with a plurality of hollow containers each being formed to a different shape and each being of a size to be exactly filled by the set of units when successfully assembled into a body of the appropriate shape.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will be descirbed, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows, in perspective view, the individual units making up a set; Figure 2 shows, in both perspective and plan view, a plurality of containers of different shape in which the units of Figure 1 can be assembled; Figure 3 shows, in perspective and side views, a rectangular body built up from different combinations of the set of units shown in Figure 1 using the rectangular container shown in Figure 2; and Figures 4 to 7 are perspective views of other solid bodies built up from the same set of units with the aid of the other containers shown in Figure 2.

Referring to the drawings, the units shown at 1 to 11 in Figure 1 are each made up of five identical cubes of synthetic plastics material secured together at their abutting faces by adhesive or other suitable means. The units 12 and 13 however, are made up of three cubes and two cubes respectively and can be combined to form a unit of the same value as units 1 to 11. The cubes are preferably coloured during manufacture and individual units can be clearly distinguished by making each one from cubes of a colour different from those of all the others and/or by providing each unit with an identifying number, letter or other symbol.

The containers shown in Figure 2 are made of transparent synthetic plastics material and it will be understood that the particular shapes shown are just a few of the many shapes which can be assembled from the units of Figure 1. It will also be understood from Figure 3 that a structure of one particular shape can be built up from different combinations of the units shown in Figure 1.

It is accordingly one feature of the game to ascertain how quickly and with what different combinations of units a body of a particular shape can be built and it is a further feature of the game to ascertain how many different shapes can be obtained with a single set of units.

1. A game comprising a set of differently shaped units for assembly together in a variety of ways to produce rectilinear bodies of various shapes, each unit comprising a plurality of identical cubes secured together at their abutting faces.

2. A game according to Claim 1, wherein the majority of said units are made up of an equal number of cubes.

3. A game according to Claim 2, wherein the remaining units can be combined to form a unit equal in volume to each one of the majority of units.

4. A game according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein each cube is made of synthetic palstics material.

5. A game according to any preceding claim, wherein each cube is coloured.

6. A game according to Claim 5, wherein the cubes of an individual unit are all of the same colour.

7. A game according to Claim 6, wherein the units are coloured differently from one another.

8. A game according to any preceding claim, wherein each unit is individually identified by a number, letter or other symbol.

9. A game according to any preceding claim, which also includes transparent containers of different shapes to receive and assist the assembly of said units into structures of those particular shapes.

10. A game substantially as hereinbeforede- scribed with reference to or as shown in the accompanying drawings.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (10)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION "Game" This invention relates to games of the kind in which a variety of rectilinear shapes can be built up from a set of blocks or other rectilinear pieces and its principal object is to provide an educational game of this kind in which the participants can test their skill in building a body of given shape from a predetermined number of pieces or in devising new shapes which can be built up from the same number of pieces. To this end, according to the invention, there is provided a set of individual building units of different shapes, each unit being made up of a plurality of identical cubes secured together at their abutting faces and being adapted to interfit with other units in the set to build a variety of rectilinear shapes using all the units each time. To assist in the building of structures of certain specified shapes the set of units may be provided with a plurality of hollow containers each being formed to a different shape and each being of a size to be exactly filled by the set of units when successfully assembled into a body of the appropriate shape. A preferred embodiment of the invention will be descirbed, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows, in perspective view, the individual units making up a set; Figure 2 shows, in both perspective and plan view, a plurality of containers of different shape in which the units of Figure 1 can be assembled; Figure 3 shows, in perspective and side views, a rectangular body built up from different combinations of the set of units shown in Figure 1 using the rectangular container shown in Figure 2; and Figures 4 to 7 are perspective views of other solid bodies built up from the same set of units with the aid of the other containers shown in Figure 2. Referring to the drawings, the units shown at 1 to 11 in Figure 1 are each made up of five identical cubes of synthetic plastics material secured together at their abutting faces by adhesive or other suitable means. The units 12 and 13 however, are made up of three cubes and two cubes respectively and can be combined to form a unit of the same value as units 1 to 11. The cubes are preferably coloured during manufacture and individual units can be clearly distinguished by making each one from cubes of a colour different from those of all the others and/or by providing each unit with an identifying number, letter or other symbol. The containers shown in Figure 2 are made of transparent synthetic plastics material and it will be understood that the particular shapes shown are just a few of the many shapes which can be assembled from the units of Figure 1. It will also be understood from Figure 3 that a structure of one particular shape can be built up from different combinations of the units shown in Figure 1. It is accordingly one feature of the game to ascertain how quickly and with what different combinations of units a body of a particular shape can be built and it is a further feature of the game to ascertain how many different shapes can be obtained with a single set of units. CLAIMS

1. A game comprising a set of differently shaped units for assembly together in a variety of ways to produce rectilinear bodies of various shapes, each unit comprising a plurality of identical cubes secured together at their abutting faces.

2. A game according to Claim 1, wherein the majority of said units are made up of an equal number of cubes.

3. A game according to Claim 2, wherein the remaining units can be combined to form a unit equal in volume to each one of the majority of units.

4. A game according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein each cube is made of synthetic palstics material.

5. A game according to any preceding claim, wherein each cube is coloured.

6. A game according to Claim 5, wherein the cubes of an individual unit are all of the same colour.

7. A game according to Claim 6, wherein the units are coloured differently from one another.

8. A game according to any preceding claim, wherein each unit is individually identified by a number, letter or other symbol.

9. A game according to any preceding claim, which also includes transparent containers of different shapes to receive and assist the assembly of said units into structures of those particular shapes.

10. A game substantially as hereinbeforede- scribed with reference to or as shown in the accompanying drawings.