GB2129312A - Puzzle - Google Patents

Puzzle Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2129312A
GB2129312A GB08324651A GB8324651A GB2129312A GB 2129312 A GB2129312 A GB 2129312A GB 08324651 A GB08324651 A GB 08324651A GB 8324651 A GB8324651 A GB 8324651A GB 2129312 A GB2129312 A GB 2129312A
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United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
game
piece
cube
puzzle
pieces
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Withdrawn
Application number
GB08324651A
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GB8324651D0 (en
Inventor
Bertram Schmitz
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PRIZE PUZZLE Inc
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PRIZE PUZZLE Inc
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Publication date
Application filed by PRIZE PUZZLE Inc filed Critical PRIZE PUZZLE Inc
Publication of GB8324651D0 publication Critical patent/GB8324651D0/en
Publication of GB2129312A publication Critical patent/GB2129312A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63FCARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F9/00Games not otherwise provided for
    • A63F9/06Patience; Other games for self-amusement
    • A63F9/12Three-dimensional jig-saw puzzles
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63FCARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F9/00Games not otherwise provided for
    • A63F9/06Patience; Other games for self-amusement
    • A63F9/12Three-dimensional jig-saw puzzles
    • A63F9/1208Connections between puzzle elements
    • A63F2009/1216Connections between puzzle elements using locking or binding pins

Abstract

The puzzle comprises a cube 10 having an equal number of locations 16 indicated on each of the six sides. Flat, square game pieces 26 equal in number to the number of locations are provided and each has a pattern formed on one side thereof. A mechanism for releasably holding each game piece at any unoccupied location on the cube is also provided. This mechanism is preferably a connector projecting from the inner surface of each game piece and formed integrally thereon but many other mechanisms are disclosed. The connector is inserted into a hole at the selected location. To keep the pieces properly positioned, the holes are preferably square. The patterns on the game pieces are such that at least one combination of all game pieces placed on the six sides of the cube produces a matching of the patterns along all adjacent edges of all adjacent game pieces. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Puzzle This invention relates to puzzle games and in particular to puzzles wherein patterns on a number of game pieces must be matched up or aligned.
Jigsaw puzzles have been known for a considerable length of time and they have retained their popularity through the years. In a jigsaw puzzle there are a number of flat pieces of varying shapes and sizes having part of a pattern or picture on one side. Generally the various pieces are provided with interlocking tabs and recessed portions so that the pieces can be connected firmly together. The pattern or picture on the pieces often assists the person who is attempting to solve the puzzle because the particular colouring or pattern on an individual piece suggests or indicates where the piece should fit in the overall puzzle.
Three dimensional jigsaw puzzles are also known in the puzzle industry. The Oz Puzzle Company of Watertown Mass. has manufactured and distributed jigsaw cubes according to an advertisement published in 1 975 by Whitehaii Games Inc. The jigsaw pieces are attached to the four sides and the top of the cube which apparently is magnetic so that the metal pieces will cling to the cube. The puzzle pieces are fashioned in the usual manner with tabs and recesses for interconnecting the pieces. Another recent development is a puzzle cube that has become well known as "Rubik's Cube". This is a three dimensional puzzle wherein a number of separate three-dimensional pieces are fitted together to form a cube. Each of the exposed sides of each puzzle piece is coloured and there are six different colours in all, one colour for each side.In order to solve the puzzle, it is necessary to rearrange the coloured squares on the sides of the cube so that each side of the cube is covered with a single colour.
U.S. Patent 4,009,882 issued March 1, 1977 to G. E. Rader teaches a three-dimensional word game that employs a cube with six playing surfaces. Paper pieces having game diagrams and indicia formed thereon can be positioned so as to cover the six faces of the cube. The pieces may take any of a variety of different shapes and embodiments. Spring clips can be used to attach, the paper pieces to the cube.
U.S. Patent 4,050,184 issued September 27, 1 977 to G. Chiari teaches a multi-component spherical toy that includes an inner supporting structure made from a number of quadrilateral elements connected to one another by H-shaped couplers. The inner structure can be covered by a plurality of convex quadrilateral cover plates. The toy is designed to aid in the development of the mental, creative, and intellectual characteristics of a young child and is not designed as a puzzle per se.
The preferred puzzle disclosed herein is a very challenging and difficult three dimensional puzzle that uses a box in the form of a six-sided cube.
The three dimensional puzzle described herein is easy and inexpensive to construct and can be made using well known manufacturing techniques. A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a puzzle game employing a box in the form of a six-sided cube, flat game pieces having a pattern formed in one side thereof and a mechanism for holding each game piece on one of a number of locations indicated on the box.
According to one aspect of the invention, a puzzle game comprises a box in the form of a sixsided cube and having a number of locations indicated on each of the six sides and flat, square game pieces equal in number to the total number of locations. Each game piece has a pattern formed on one side thereof. Means are provided for releasably holding each game piece at any unoccupied location on the box. At least one combination of all the game pieces placed on the locations produces a matching of the patterns along all adjacent edges of all adjacent game pieces.
According to another aspect of the invention a puzzle game comprises a box in the form of a sixsided cube and square game pieces of sufficient' number to cover all six sides of the cube, each piece having a pattern formed on an outer surface thereof. There is further provided means to connect each game piece to the cube projecting from an inner surface of the game piece and formed integrally thereon and means on the cube to permit attachment of all game pieces to the cube by the connecting means. At least one arrangement of all the games pieces attached to the cube produces a matching of the patterns along all adjacent edges of all adjacent game pieces.
According to one preferred embodiment the locations on the cube for the game pieces are indicated by square holes, which holes provide means to permit attachment of the game pieces to the cube. Alternatively, the locations can be indicated by connecting rib means extending outwardly from the sides of the cube and integrally formed thereon.
Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a front view of one side of a box that can be used with the present invention; Figure 2 is a rear view of the side shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is an edge view of the same side; Figure 4 is a perspective view showing various parts of a puzzle game constructed in accordance with the invention; Figure 5 is a front view of a flat game piece employed with the box shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 is a side view of a peg used to hold the game piece shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a bottom end view of the peg shown in Figure 6; Figure 8 is a front view of a side of a box used in the second embodiment of the puzzle game; Figure 9 is an edge view of a game piece used with a box having sides such as that shown in Figure 8;; Figure 10 is a front view of a pattern sheet that can be used to provide game pieces for the puzzle game; Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a further form of box and three games pieces used therewith; Figure 12 is a view of the inner or bottom surface of one of the game pieces shown in Figure 11; Figure 13 is an edge view of the game piece of Figure 12; Figure 14 is a combined view of the front and the back of a one-piece panel member that can be used to construct three sides of a box for the puzzle game; Figure 1 5 is an edge view of the one-piece panel member of Figure 14; Figure 16 is an illustration of part of a still further form of box that can be used, together with four game pieces; Figure 17 is a view of the inner or bottom surface of one of the game pieces shown in Figure 16; Figure 18 is an edge view of the game piece shown in Figure 17;; Figure 19 is a front view of one side of a box which is shown, in part, in Figure 16; Figure 20 is a rear view of the side shown in Figure 19: Figure 21 is an edge view of the same side; Figure 22 is a partial section showing another form of attachment means for a game piece; Figure 23 is a view of one corner of the cube shown in Figure 22; Figure 24 is a partial section showing still another form of connector for holding a game piece in position; Figure 25 is a view of one corner of the box shown in Figure 24; Figure 26 is an illustration of another form of game piece attached to a cube corner; Figure 27 is a front view of a corner of the cube shown in Figure 26; Figure 28 shows still another form of connector for holding a game piece on the cube; Figure 29 is a front view of one corner of the cube shown in part in Figure 28; and Figures 30-32 show the inner surfaces of the game pieces shown in Figures 22, 24 and 26 respectively.
A puzzle game constructed in accordance with the present invention employs a box10 in the form of a six sided cube such as that shown in Figure 4. This box can be constructed from six identical side plates 12, one of which is shown in Figures 1 to 3. The side plate 12 has a flat front surface 1 4 that, as illustrated, is perforated with nine equally spaced square holes 1 6. According to one preferred embodiment, the side plates are constructed from plastic, preferably styrene. The holes are spaced so that the distance A between the centres of adjacent holes is equal to approximately twice the distance B from the centre of one of the holes close to a side edge to that side edge.The back surface of each side plate is provided with a number of tabs that are used to connected each side plate to the side plates that are adjacent to it. Along each edge there are three connecting tabs 1 8, 20 and 22.
The tabs 20 and 22 are arranged together and are spaced apart a distance equal to or slightly greater than the width of the tabs 1 8. The six side plates are snapped together with the tab 1 8 of one side plate firmly fastened between tabs 20 and 22 of an adjacent side plate. The tabs 1 8 are slightly longer than the other tabs and are provided with bumps 1 9 at their free ends. The bumps 19 provide the snap fit as they cause the free ends of the tabs 1 8 to be thicker than the space between the tabs 20, 22. It will be particularly noted that at each corner of each side plate there is a tab 18 along one edge forming the corner and there are tabs 20 and 22 along the other edge.Each edge of each side plate is bevelled at a 45 degree angle as shown at 24 in Figure 3.
Turning now to Figures 4 and 5 of the drawings, the puzzle game requires a number of flat game pieces 26 equal in number to the number of locations for such pieces on the box 10. In the box 10 shown in Figure 4, there are fifty-four locations for these games pieces, nine on each side. The locations on the box shown in Figure 4 are indicated by the square holes 16.
Each game piece has a pattern 28 formed on one side thereof. In the puzzle game shown in Figure 4 this pattern comprises various shapes in a dark colour such as black on a light background such as white. The pattern on an individual game piece might, for example, consist of part of a rectangle and part of a square. The remaining part or parts of the rectangle and the square can be found on other game pieces made for use with the puzzle game. Because the game pieces are square, they can be orientated in any one of four directions at any of the fifty-four locations. it will thus be appreciated that the number of possible positions for each game piece is considerable indeed (two hundred and sixteen to be precise). In view of the fact that there are fifty-four game pieces in the illustrated embodiment, the total number of possible combinations for the arrangement of all of the game pieces on the box is a very high number. Thus the present puzzle game is very difficult to solve, particularly if a difficult pattern is chosen as explained hereinafter.
Means must be provided for releasably holding each game piece 26 at any unoccupied location on the box 10. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the holding means comprise pegs 30, one of which is shown in Figures 6 and 7.
There should be at least one peg 30 for each of the game pieces. The preferred illustrated peg has an upper rim 29, straight upper section 31, a short, square centre section 32 and a divided bottom section 33. The bottom section 33 has flat sides at 34 and 35 to prevent rotation of the peg in the holes of the game piece and the cube.
It will be appreciated that the cross section of the peg in the region of the flat sides 34 is just slightly less than the size of the square holes 36 in the centre of the game pieces and the square holes 16 in the box. A snap fit is provided between the peg and the sides of the hole in the cube by means of small ridges 37 formed below the flat sides 34. The bottom section 33 as illustrated is divided into separate, spaced-apart segments with each segment having a bottom end 38 that is bevelled along the outer edge, that is, the edge farthest from the other segment. The upper rim 29 enables the peg to be easily grasped between a finger and a thumb for removal of the peg from a hole in the cube.Finally, it should be appreciated that the width of the centre section 32 is greater than the width of the holes 36 in the game pieces so that the bottom surface of the centre section 32 rests against the top surface of the respective game piece.
A second embodiment of the puzzle game constructed in accordance with the invention is illustrated in Figures 8 and 9. Again there is a box 40 in the form of a six sided cube. Only one side of this box is shown in Figure 8 but it will be appreciated that the six sides are identical. In the illustrated embodiment there are nine locations for game pieces marked out by lines of demarcation 42. Thus there are two horizontal parallel lines and two vertical parallel lines.
These lines of demarcation form nine squares, each equal in size to the individual game pieces 44, one of which is shown in Figure 8.
The construction of each game piece 44 is shown in Figure 9. Part or all of the game piece is a permanent magnet. In the Figure 9 embodiment, the magnet 46 forms a bottom layer. The top layer 48 can be plastic and it provides the pattern for the game piece. To retain the magnetic game pieces, the box 40 is constructed of a metal capable of holding a magnet, for example steel, iron, or a nickel alloy.
Figure 10 shows a possible pattern for a puzzle game constructed in accordance with the invention. In order to produce the game pieces or the top layer 48 in the game pieces 44, it is desirable to lay out the individual patterns on a single sheet of plastic. The patterns or designs along adjacent edges of adjacent game pieces should be made to match as much as possible. In the sheet 50 shown in Figure 9, the patterns do match in most cases. However, usually there are a few adjacent game pieces whose patterns do not match. Non-matching pieces include pieces 52 and 54 and 56 and 58. Because it is difficult to cut the plastic sheet precisely along the vertical cut lines 60 and the horizontal cut lines 62, if the patterns along adjacent edges are made to match, a slight variation in the location of the cut line will make no difference.The pattern of adjacent individual game pieces should still match even if a vertical cut line is slightly the left or slightly to the right of the intended location. The same applies to a slight variation in a horizontal cut line.
It will be noted that the game pieces that will be produced by the sheet 50 shown in Figure 10 will produce a total or overall pattern covering all six sides of the cube and having some repeating designs. The pattern shown in Figure 10 has a number of dollar signs 64, squares 66 and rectangles 68 of the same size. The use of repeating designs such as this increases the difficulty of the puzzle. This is due to the fact that the person trying to solve the puzzle cannot be sure that an individual game piece is in the correct location even when the pattern along its edges matches up with the pattern of the adjacent game pieces. It is quite possible that the addition of further game pieces to the surface of the box will reveal that in fact the game piece in question is not correctly located or correctly oriented.
If the plastic squares cut from the sheet 50 are to be used for game pieces 26 of the first embodiment of the puzzle game, a hole 36 can be punched in each piece after it is cut. If the plastic pieces are to be used to produce the game pieces 44 of the second embodiment, the plastic square is simply affixed to the top of a permanent magnet having the same length and width.
The pattern can be applied to plastic game pieces by means of a silk screen process. If another material such as wood is used for the game pieces, the pattern can simply be painted ort. Preferably the layer of paint is made sufficiently durable to withstand repeated handling of the game pieces.
In order to produce a total or overall pattern that covers all six sides and that can be solved as proposed, the six sides of a cube having a size the same as the box to be used in the puzzle are covered with a blank material on which a design can be laid out. The design is then created for each of the six sides with care being taken to be sure that the patterns along each edge of each side match with the pattern along that edge on the adjacent side. The six pieces of material from each side are then laid out flat, usually in the form of a cross. The total pattern is then rearranged to form a rectangular layout such as that on the sheet 50 of Figure 9. The plastic sheets 50 can then be produced and cut into the individual plastic game pieces.
The difficulty of the puzzle game of the invention can be increased by increasing the number of game piece locations on each side. For example, the number of locations could be increased to sixteen made up of four rows of four locations. In a similar fashion the puzzle game can be made easier for children by reducing the number of locations on each side. A reasonably simple but still challenging puzzle would be provided by a box having four locations on each side.
Figure 11 illustrates another form of box that can be used as part of the present puzzle game.
The box 70 is in the form of a cube with nine square holes in each side arranged in the same manner as in the box of Figure 4. However each hole 72 is positioned in the centre of a raised region 74 on the side of the cube. The shape of this raised region can be seen clearly from figures 1 4 and 1 5. The region extends around the entire perimeter of the hole. Each region is formed by part of the side of the cube which angles outwardly around each hole.
The game pieces 76 that can be used with the box 70 have connecting members 77 projecting from a central section of the bottom surface of the game piece. In the illustrated embodiment, there are four connecting members formed integrally on the game piece and arranged substantially in the form of a square. However, it should be appreciated that two parallel connecting members would suffice. The use of four connecting members has the advantage of ensuring that the game piece is properly aligned and located on the selected location of the box.
The connecting members which are quite short in height are elongate in a direction parallel to the bottom surface 78 of the game piece. Preferably each connecting member 77 extends at a small angle to a perpendicular projecting from the bottom surface 78. This angle is illustrated in figure 13. Because each connecting member is angled outwardly towards an adjacent parallel edge of the game piece, the combination of the four members provides a snap-fit when the members are inserted in a hole 72. To enhance this snap fit, the side of each hole 72 diverges slightly outwardly from the top to the bottom of the hole. This divergence is indicated at 79 in figure 11.
As illustrated by the tilted game piece 76 in figure 11 , the game pieces can be removed by pressing down on the top of each attached game piece at the edge thereof. Because all four edges of a centrally located game piece and at least two edges of other game pieces are not supported by the cube when attached, each game piece can be tilted easily by applying finger pressure to one edge. This will in turn result in disconnection of the connecting members 77 from the sides of the hole, The box 70 is preferably constructed from two identical, one-piece panel members, one of which is shown in figures 14 and 1 5. These panel members 80 each form three sides of the box. In order to form the box, each of the two members 80 is folded along a hinge line 81 or 82 into a Ushape.To enable this folding to be done, the panel members are preferably made with polypropylene, a material capable of forming integral or "living" hinges. To permit one folded member 80 to be connected to the other, each member has means at each end thereof for joining the member to the other member 80. The preferred illustrated joining means comprises a hook formation 83 which extends along the end edge. The hook formation snaps over the side edge 84 of the centre section 85 of the other panel member 80. If desired, adhesive can be applied to the hook formation and to the side edge 84 to ensure a permanent connection between the members 80. Adhesive can also be used on other adjoining edges if required to provide a rigid, well-formed box. In the illustrated embodiment, there is a rim 86 provided at each end of each member 80.This rim extends along the side edges as well for about half the length of an end section of the panel member 80. A recess 87 formed between the hook formation 83 and the adjacent rim is dimensioned to accommodate the side edge 84.
Turning now to the embodiment of the puzzle game shown in figures 16 to 18, the box 90 has holes similar to the holes 72 used in the embodiment of figure 11. These holes 91 are also located in the centre of a raised region 92 and are square. Each game piece 94 for use on the box 90 has a subtantially square connecting member 95 projecting from the inner surface. If desired the corners of this connecting member can be bevelled or rounded as shown as 96. Each of the four sides of the member 95 is provided with small lip 98 and these lips provide a snap connection when the connecting member 95 is inserted into one of the holes 91. It will be appreciated that the distance "C" between the outer extremity of opposite, parallel lips 98 slightly exceeds the dimension of the hole 91 in a direction parallel to the side of the box.As in the figure 11 embodiment each playing piece can be removed from the box by pressing a suitable edge downwards. This will cause the playing piece to tilt as shown by the centra!ly located piece in figure 1 6. Each edge of the playing pieces 94 is bevelled as shown at 99.
This bevel permits adjoining edges of playing pieces attached along an edge of the box 90 to form a neat, sharp edge as shown at 100 in figure 16.
The box 90 can be constructed from six, separate panel members 102, one of which is illustrated in figures 19 to 21. These panel members are preferably made from the plastic styrene. In one preferred embodiment, each member measures three inches by three inches in size. As shown in figure 20, each panel member is provided with eight connecting tabs 104 with two of these tabs being located along each edge of the panel. It will be noted that each tab is provided with a protruberance 103 integrally formed on the free end of the tab. As shown in figure 20, the two tabs along the upper edge of the panel have their protuberances on the inside surfaces of the tabs so that they project towards one another. The same is true of the protuberances on the tabs located along the lower edge. However the protuberances on the tabs located along the side edges are located on the outside surfaces of the tabs so that they project away from one another.
It should also be noted that the tabs 104 along the side edges of the panel are slightly closer together than the tabs along the top and bottom edges. It should, therefore, be appreciated that the tabs along one side edge of one panel can be snapped together with tabs along one edge of another panel provided the panels are so arranged that the two sets of tabs are spaced different distances apart. In addition to the mechanical engagement between the various tabs 104, adhesive can be applied along the edge surfaces 106 of each panel member if desired. When the box is assembled, the edge surfaces 106 of adjacent panel members rest against one another.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a variety of means can be employed for releasably holding each game piece at the desired location on the box. In addition to the holding means already described, further holding means are illustrated in figures 22 to 32. In the embodiment of figure 22, each location on the box 108 is provided with an array of outwardly extending, short projections 110 that are integrally formed on the side of the box. A space or gap 11 2 is provided between adjacent arrays to enable an attached game piece to be removed by tipping as earlier described. In particular, the game piece 114 is removed by applying pressure downwardly at the location indicated by arrow X.
Preferably the short projections 110 vary in height with the shortest being located in the centre of the array and the highest located about the perimeter of the array. A further array of short projections 11 5 extend perpendicularly from the centre of the bottom surface of each game piece. These projections also vary in height with the projection at the centre being the highest and those about the perimeter of the array being the shortest. The variation in the height of the projections helps to ensure that the playing piece is properly centred at the desired location. It also makes attachment and detachment of the playing piece easier. It will be appreciated that the playing piece is firmly held in position by the friction fit between the various projections 110 and 11 5.
The embodiment shown in figure 24 employs connecting rib means 11 6 extending outwardly from the respective side of the box 11 8. These rib means are provided at each location on the box for a game piece and are integrally formed on the box. Preferably there are four elongate ribs arranged in the form of a square as shown in figure 25. It should be appreciated, however, that two parallel elongate ribs will suffice as holding means, particulary if the game piece is constructed in the manner illustrated figures in 24 and 31. As with the previously described game pieces and holding means, it is desirable that each game piece be attachable in any of four possible orientations at each location on the box.
Preferably each of the four ribs forming the rib means 11 6 has an indentation 11 7 extending along the inside surface thereof. Each game piece has short connecting members 120 which are elongate in a direction parallel to the bottom surface of the game piece 122. Preferably each connecting member 120 has a lip 124 extending along the outer side thereof. This lip 124 is adapted to engage with the indentation 117 in an adjacent rib so that a snap engagement between the ribs and the connecting members is provided.
This engagement helps prevents accidental disengagement of the playing piece 122 from its location on the box. It will further be appreciated that only two parallel connecting members need be provided if the box is provided with four ribs 11 6 at each location. Under these circumstances, it is still possible to orient the game piece in any of the four possible orientations at any location on the box. The plastic forming the box 118 and the game piece 1 22 should be resilient and flexible in order that the rib means and the connecting members will move sufficiently to permit a snap engagement between them.
In the figure 26 embodiment, the game pieces 1 26 have a thicker cross section in a central area located at 127. The bottom or inner surface of this central area 127 is flat as is the top of the game piece. However, the central area is surrounded by an inwardly and downwardly sloping outer area 128 which extends from the edges of the game piece. The connecting means for the game piece project downwardly from the flat central area. The connecting means are very similar to the connecting members illustrated in figures 12 and 13. Again there are four short connecting members 130. Each member is elongate in a direction parallel to the flat bottom surface 132 of its respective game piece.
The connecting members are arranged substantially in the form of a square. Preferably the outer surface 1 34 of each connecting member is angled slightly outwardly to permit a snap engagement between the connecting members and the sides of a respective hole 136.
As can be seen in figure 26, the four sides of each hole 136 diverge outwardly from the top to the bottom thereof. The box 1 38 is constructed with flat exterior sides except for sloping edges at 140.
The slopes at 140 extend upwardly and outwardly at the same angle as the sloping outer area 128 on each game piece. In this way, the surfaces at 140 support the game pieces positioned along the edges of the box. Each game piece can be detached by pressing downwardly at the position indicated by the arrow X in figure 26.
In the figure 28 embodiment, the game piece is constructed in substantially the same manner as the game pieces 76 shown in figures 11 to 13.
However, the holes 142 on the box are formed in a different manner. The square holes 142 have exterior edges 144 that are raised from the plane 146 of the side of the cube. A short wall or rim 148 extends entirely around the four sides of each hole 142 so that the total depth of the hole 142 is increased. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting members 77 extend along the sides of that portion of the hole formed by the rim 148.
The sides of the holes 142 again diverge outwardly from the top to the bottom of the hole.
When employing game pieces that rely on a tipping or pivotable action for removal, it is desirable that the edges of the cube be provided with a rim such as that shown at 1 50 in figure 24 to prevent the game pieces located along the edge of the cube from accidentally being knocked off. Thus because of the rims 1 50, if pressure is applied to the edge of a game piece near the edge of the box, disengagement of the connecting members will not result because tipping cannot occur.
A novel two dimensional puzzle game can also be constructed using features described above. A flat supporting surface could have a number of positions for game pieces eveniy distributed thereon. These positions could be indicated by square holes formed in the manner illustrated in figure 11. Again the number of game pieces would be equal in number to the number of positions on the flat surface. The individual game pieces can be constructed in the same manner as the game pieces shown in figures 11 to 13.
Alternatively, the game pieces could have shapes other than the illustrated square shape, particularly when the supporting surface is flat and not three dimensional. The game pieces could be rectangular or triangular for example. In each case, however, the piece has a pattern formed on one side thereof and the player of the game would attempt to match the patterns on the game pieces in the manner indicated in the rules for the game.
-It will be appreciated that if the game pieces are not square, then the holes for these game pieces may have a shape other than the illustrated square shape. Triangular game pieces might, for example, be attached by means of triangular holes in the supporting surface. Any shape for the hole other than round will, of course, prevent rotation of the game piece after attachment thereof to the supporting surface.
It is to be understood that many variations and modifications may be had with respect to the various elements of the puzzle game without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

Claims (37)

Claims
1. A puzzle game comprising: a box in the form of a six-sided cube having a number of locations indicated on each of the six sides, flat square game pieces equal in number to the total number of locatipns, each game piece having a pattern formed on one side thereof, and means for releasably holding each game piece at any unoccupied location on said box, wherein at least one arrangement of all said game pieces placed on said locations produces a matching of the patterns along all adjacent edges of all adjacent game pieces.
2. A puzzle game according to claim 1 wherein said locations are indicated by holes in each side, said holding means comprise pegs at least equal in number to the number of game pieces, and said game pieces each have a hole for the insertion of one of said pegs.
3. A puzzle game according to claim 2 wherein the game pieces are of equal size with a hole in the centre of each and there are an equal number of locations on each side.
4. A puzzle game according to claim 1,2 or 3 wherein the number of locations on each side is nine.
5. A puzzle game according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the pattern on each piece is part of a total pattern covering all six sides of the box when the game pieces are arranged according to said at least one combination and said total pattern includes at least some repeating designs.
6. A puzzle game according to claim 1 wherein said locations are marked out on each side by lines of demarcation, said box is constructed of a metal capable of holding a magnet, and said holding means comprises magnetic means to hold each game piece.
7. A puzzle game according to claim 6 wherein the number of locations on each side is nine with the locations being arranged in three rows of three locations each.
8. A puzzle game according to claim 6 wherein the number of locations on each side is the same and the game pieces are of equal size.
9. A puzzle game according to claim 1,2 or 3 wherein said box is made of six identical side plates permanently fastened together.
10. A puzzle game according to claim 1,2 or 3 wherein said box is made of six identical plastic side plates permanently fastened together with adhesive.
11. A puzzle game according to claim 2 wherein each hole in the sides of said cube is square, the hole in each game piece is square, and each peg has a bottom section adapted for insertion through a hole in a game piece and into a hole in said cube, said bottom section having flat sides to prevent rotation of the peg in the holes of the game piece and the cube.
1 2. A puzzle game according to claim 11 wherein said bottom section of each peg is divided into two separate, spaced-apart segments with each segment having a bottom end that is bevelled along the outer edge furthest from the other segment.
13. A puzzle game according to claim 11 or 12 wherein each peg has an upper section that is slightly tapered from the top to the bottom thereof.
14. A puzzle game according to claim 1 wherein said locations are indicated by holes in each side with each hole being positioned in the centre of a raised region on a side of said cube.
15. A puzzle game according to claim 14 wherein said holding means comprises a connecting means projecting from the inner surface of each game piece and formed integrally thereon.
1 6. A puzzle game according to claim 14 wherein said holding means comprise connecting members projecting from a central section of the bottom surface of each game piece and formed integrally thereon.
1 7. A puzzle game according to claim 1 6 wherein each game piece has four of said connecting members which are elongate in a direction parallel to the bottom surface of the game piece, the four connecting members being arranged substantially in the form of a square.
18. A puzzle game according to claim 1 7 wherein each connecting member extends at a small angle to a perpendicular projecting from the bottom surface of the respective game piece, the connecting member being angled outwardly towards an adjacent parallel edge of the game piece.
19. A puzzle game according to claim 1 wherein each of said locations is indicated by an array of outwardly extending short projections that are integrally formed on the side of said cube, each array being spaced apart from adjacent arrays, and wherein said holding means comprises a further array of short projections extending perpendicularly from the centre of the bottom surface of each game piece, the latter projections being adapted to fit snugly between said array of projections at any location on said cube.
20. A puzzle game according to claim 1 wherein each of said locations is indicated by connecting rib means extending outwardly from the respective side of said cube and integrally formed on said cube and wherein said holding means comprises short connecting members which are elongate in a direction parallel to the bottom surface of the game piece, said connecting members being adapted to fit snugly against inside surfaces of said rib means at any location on said cube.
21. A puzzle game according to claim 20 wherein said rib means at each location comprise at least two elongate ribs, each of which has an indentation extending along the inside surface thereof and each connecting member has a lip extending along an outer side thereof, said lip being adapted to engage with said indentation and thereby hold the playing piece on said cube.
22. A puzzle game according to claim 1 wherein each of said locations is indicated by a square hole in the side of said cube, each hole having a raised lip extending about its periphery on the exterior of the respective cube side, the inside surface of each hole diverging radially outwardly from the top of said lip toward the interior of said cube, and wherein said holding means comprise short connecting members which are elongate in a direction parallel to the bottom surface of the respective game piece, said connecting members each having an outer side extending at a small angle to a perpendicular projecting from the bottom surface of the respective game piece, each outer side being angled outwardly so that said holding means snap into engagement with at least the raised lip at any location on said cube.
23. A puzzle game comprising: a box in the form of a six-sided cube, square game pieces of sufficient number to cover all six sides of said cube, each piece having a pattern formed on an outer surface thereof, means to connect each game piece to said cube projecting from an inner surface of the game piece and formed integrally thereon, and means on said cube to permit attachment of all game pieces to said cube by said connecting means, wherein at least one arrangement of all said game pieces attached to said cube produces a matching of the patterns along all adjacent edges of all adjacent game pieces.
24. A puzzle game according to claim 23 wherein each game piece has an inner surface with a flat central area surrounded by an inwardly and downwardly sloping outer area, said connecting means being located in said central area, and wherein each game piece after attachment to said cube can be removed by pressing on the outer surface of the game piece near one edge.
25. A puzzle game according to claim 23 wherein said connecting means comprise four short connecting members on each game piece, each connecting member being elongate in a direction parallel to the flat bottom surface of its respective game piece, and the four connecting members are arranged substantially in the form of a square, and wherein said means on the cube permitting attachment comprise square holes having exterior edges that are raised from the plane of the respective side of the cube.
26. A puzzle game according to claim 25 wherein each connecting member is angled outwardly to permit a snap engagement between the connecting members of each piece and the sides of a respective hole.
27. A puzzle game according to claim 23 wherein said box is constructed from two identical, one-piece members, each one-piece member forming three sides of said box and being folded along two hinge lines, and wherein each one-piece member has means at each end thereof for joining the member to the other one-piece member.
28. A puzzle game according to claim 27 wherein said one-piece members are made of polypropylene and said joining means comprise a hook formation extending along the end edge of the one-piece member.
29. A puzzle game according to claim 18 wherein said box is constructed from two identical, one-piece members, each one-piece member forming three sides of said box and being folded along two hinge lines, and wherein each one-piece member has means at each end thereof for joining the member to the other one-piece member.
30. A puzzle game according to claim 29 wherein the interior surface of each hole diverges outwardly in a direction towards the interior of said cube so that a snap connection is provided by insertion of the four connecting members in one of said holes and wherein a game piece after attachment to said cube can be removed by pressing the outer surface thereof near one edge.
31. A puzzle game comprising: a supporting surface having a number of positions for game pieces to be attached; game pieces equal in number to said number of positions; means to connect each game piece to said supporting surface, said connecting means projecting from an inner surface of the game piece and formed integrally thereon; means on said supporting surface to permit attachment of game pieces to said surface at said positions by said connecting means; wherein an edge portion of any game piece attached at any position on said supporting surface is elevated above the underlying portion of said supporting surface and any attached game piece can be detached from said supporting surface by applying pressure to the outer surface of said edge portion.
32. A puzzle game according to claim 31 wherein said game pieces are square and each piece has a pattern formed on one side thereof and wherein at least one arrangement of all said game pieces placed on said positions produces a matching of the patterns along all adjacent edges of all adjacent game pieces.
33. A puzzle game according to claim 31 wherein said means to permit attachment of said game pieces comprise holes having upper edges that are raised from the plane of said supporting surface.
34. A puzzle game according to claim 33 wherein said holes are square and said connecting means prevents rotation of the game piece in the plane of said supporting surface after attachment of the game piece to said surface.
35. A puzzle game according to claim 31, 32, or 33 wherein said supporting surface comprises the exterior surfaces of a three-dimensional body.
36. A puzzle game according to claim 1, claim 23 or claim 31 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in, any one or more of the accompanying drawings.
37. Any novel feature or combination of features disclosed herein.
GB08324651A 1982-09-17 1983-09-14 Puzzle Withdrawn GB2129312A (en)

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Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2139512A (en) * 1983-05-14 1984-11-14 James Ian Croft Three-dimensional jig-saw type puzzle
GB2142548A (en) * 1983-06-24 1985-01-23 Robert Kenneth Ashwood Apparatus for playing a game
GB2209957A (en) * 1987-09-21 1989-06-01 Wordlink Exhibition & Services Puzzles
GB2219216A (en) * 1988-06-04 1989-12-06 Polydron U K Ltd Plaything puzzle
GB2470179A (en) * 2009-04-20 2010-11-17 James Douglas Eadon Game, toy or construction kit comprising polyhedral shapes with detachable fasteners
WO2012038777A1 (en) * 2010-09-21 2012-03-29 James Douglas Eadon Apparatus for game, constructional or like use
WO2019207275A1 (en) * 2018-04-25 2019-10-31 Smith Thomas Colin Puzzle

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1277726A (en) * 1969-06-17 1972-06-14 Marc Odier Improvements in or relating to puzzles
GB1284872A (en) * 1968-09-11 1972-08-09 George Frederick White A 3-dimensional jigsaw puzzle
GB2092458A (en) * 1981-02-10 1982-08-18 Eliot Christopher Mark Puzzle

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1284872A (en) * 1968-09-11 1972-08-09 George Frederick White A 3-dimensional jigsaw puzzle
GB1277726A (en) * 1969-06-17 1972-06-14 Marc Odier Improvements in or relating to puzzles
GB2092458A (en) * 1981-02-10 1982-08-18 Eliot Christopher Mark Puzzle

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2139512A (en) * 1983-05-14 1984-11-14 James Ian Croft Three-dimensional jig-saw type puzzle
GB2142548A (en) * 1983-06-24 1985-01-23 Robert Kenneth Ashwood Apparatus for playing a game
GB2209957A (en) * 1987-09-21 1989-06-01 Wordlink Exhibition & Services Puzzles
GB2209957B (en) * 1987-09-21 1991-05-29 Wordlink Exhibition & Services Puzzles
GB2219216A (en) * 1988-06-04 1989-12-06 Polydron U K Ltd Plaything puzzle
GB2470179A (en) * 2009-04-20 2010-11-17 James Douglas Eadon Game, toy or construction kit comprising polyhedral shapes with detachable fasteners
GB2470179B (en) * 2009-04-20 2011-10-26 James Douglas Eadon Apparatus for game, constructional or like use
WO2012038777A1 (en) * 2010-09-21 2012-03-29 James Douglas Eadon Apparatus for game, constructional or like use
WO2019207275A1 (en) * 2018-04-25 2019-10-31 Smith Thomas Colin Puzzle
US10898790B2 (en) 2018-04-25 2021-01-26 Wotch Creations Ltd Puzzle

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