GB2326602A

GB2326602A - Three dimensional puzzle

Info

Publication number: GB2326602A
Application number: GB9813691A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Collins
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-06-28
Filing date: 1998-06-26
Publication date: 1998-12-30
Anticipated expiration: 2018-06-26
Also published as: GB9813691D0; GB9713604D0; GB2326602B

Description

THREE DIMENSIONAL PUZZLE This invention relates to three dimensional puzzles comprising a plurality of components, and particularly, but not exclusively, to puzzles essentially assembled in layers.

Three dimensional puzzles of many types are well known. These are often of the jigsaw variety forming three dimensional structures, for example model buildings.

According to the present invention there is provided a three dimensional puzzle comprising a plurality of components including at least one base, at least one post fixed to and projecting from the or each base, and at least one assembly component such that, on assembly of the puzzle, the or at least one of the assembly components engage the post or posts of the or each base to locate the assembly component or components in a chosen position.

The assembled puzzle may take a variety of shapes including, for example, a cube or other generally rectangular shape.

The components of the puzzle may comprise jigsaw pieces. The jigsaw pieces may assemble to form a hollow three dimensional puzzle, or a solid or substantially solid three dimensional puzzle. The assembly component or components may be provided with one or more holes or other means with which to engage the post or posts.

A plurality of assembly components may be provided which may be assembled in layers. The layers may each comprise one piece, or may comprise a plurality of pieces which may be jigsaw pieces. Preferably each layer has an opening therein to receive an insert block.

Any suitable number of posts may be provided. This may depend on the shape of the puzzle. The post or posts of the or each base may project substantially perpendicularly from the or each base of the puzzle.

The post or posts may be rigid, substantially rigid or pliant, for example being made rigid of medium density fibreboard, or being made pliant by comprising a spring, such as a close-coiled helical spring, which could be plastic coated. A part of the or each post furthest from the base may be adapted to receive retaining means for retaining the components of the puzzle in their assembled form. For example, the part of the or each post furthest from the base may be screw-threaded and a nut or nuts provided for engagement with said part to retain the puzzle in its assembled form.

The nut or nuts may be shaped in other than conventional form e.g. as a turret of a castle.

A plurality of assembly components may be provided which may be coded in some manner which may indicate the order of their engagement on the post or posts of the or each base. The coding may be, for example, in the form of the shape of the assembly components, or may comprise colour coding, or may take the form of indicia. The indicia may be provided on each assembly component, and on more than one surface of each assembly component. The indicia may form for example pictures, patterns or text. The indicia of more than one assembly component may be inter-linked, to be assembled together into a composite representation on an outside surface or surfaces of the puzzle. The indicia may have an educational purpose; for example it may comprise letters of the alphabet or numbers. The or each base may also be coded which may help to indicate the order of assembly of the puzzle components The assembly components of the puzzle may be manufactured from any suitable material, for example wood such as medium density fibreboard, or a plastics material The components of the puzzle may be painted, and the paint may be suitable for use of the puzzle by children.

In a first preferred embodiment the three dimensional puzzle is in the shape of a cube. Four posts are fixed to a'horizontal base at or near each corner, and project substantially perpendicularly from the base. A plurality of assembly components are provided which comprise plates with a hole at or near each corner. Each hole engages a post to locate each plate substantially parallel to the base. Thus the puzzle is built up layer after layer. The outside faces of the cube preferably have a pattern thereon, which pattern indicates the order in which the plates of the puzzle are to be assembled. One or more of the plates may have a opening therein to receive an insert block. A separate insert block could be provided for each plate, or one insert block could be inserted in the openings of a plurality of plates. This latter insert block may be in the shape of the assembled puzzle, and may indicate the pattern on the outside of the puzzle. This insert block might alternatively be, for example, a musical box or a device for narrating text especially instructions as to how to assemble the puzzle. One or more of the plates may have indicia thereon, which may be educational in purpose, and/or may also indicate the order in which the plates are to be assembled.

The puzzle may comprise two bases, and the assembly component or components of the puzzle may be located between the bases. The bases may have the same number of posts or may have different numbers of posts.

In a further preferred embodiment the puzzle has two bases, a first base having a single post projecting substantially perpendicularly therefrom and a second base having four posts projecting substantially perpendicularly therefrom. A plurality of assembly components are provided which comprise plates each having nine holes therein positioned for location of the plates on the post or the posts of the bases. The puzzle may be built up layer by layer on the first base, or layer by layer on the second base, the remaining base being located on the plates after assembly thereof.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a base and posts of a first embodiment of a three dimensional puzzle according to the present invention; Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the assembly components of the puzzle of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a partly exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of a three dimensional puzzle according to the present invention; and Figure 4 is partly exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of a three dimensional puzzle according to the present invention.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 the components of a three dimensional puzzle are shown which assemble into the form of a cube. The components include a square base 1 with four posts 2 adjacent its four corners and projecting substantially perpendicularly therefrom. The base is in the shape of a plinth and comprises an upper surface 3 on which assembly components of the puzzle rest when it is assembled. The base is further provided with a square hole 4 which receives an' insert piece (not shown) in the shape of a cube. The sides of the insert piece bear different numbers of spots as a dice and are colour coded, indicating the colours of and number of spots on the outside faces of the puzzle when assembled.

The assembly components of the puzzle comprise plates 5 to 20 (Figure 2) of square shape which each have four holes 21 positioned to engage with the posts 2 on the base 1, locating the plates on assembly of the puzzle. The plates are located on the posts one at a time, building the puzzle up layer by layer. The outside edge faces 22 of the plates 5 to 19 are so marked as to present, when the plates are properly assembled, the number of spots and colours of the dice in the same fashion as the different sides of the insert piece. This dictates the order in which the plates are to be assembled, in this case starting with plate 5 and ending with plate 20. Plates 5 to 7 have an opening therein to accommodate the insert piece. Plate 8 has a twelve hour clock provided on its uppermost surface, and a twenty four hour clock on its lowermost surface. One set of hands is provided for use with both clocks. These are attached to a stud which may project through either face of the clock allowing use of the hands with either face of the clock. For assembly of plate 8 in the puzzle the stud projects through the uppermost face of this plate and the hands are attached thereto. Plate 9 has an opening therein to allow this plate to fit over the hands of the clock. Plate 10 has the number 10 on its uppermost surface and is provided with a blackboard on its lower surface.

Plates 11 to 19 are provided with openings therein to accommodate insert blocks 23. The insert blocks are of different shapes, and are numbered as shown. This provides an educational element to the puzzle, and also helps the assembly of the plates in the correct order. The uppermost plate 20 has six spots thereon, and completes the puzzle. The insert piece may be omitted and the holes for it in the base and the plates 5 to 7.

Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.

Here the puzzle is again in the shape of a cube and has spots as a dice.

Plates 30 are assembled in layers as before. However, the plates do not have insert pieces or blocks nor do they accommodate a dice insert piece, but instead comprise jigsaw pieces 31 which slot together in a conventional manner. Each plate should first be assembled from its component jigsaw pieces, before engagement with the posts to build up the puzzle as before. Each assembled plate may present a picture, there being a different picture for each plate. For added difficulty each plate may have a different picture on its opposite sides.

It will be appreciated that the three dimensional puzzle in accordance with this invention is not limited to being in the form of a dice. For example, in the embodiments described, any pattern, picture or text, or a plurality of these could be used on the outside faces of the cube.

In addition, further indicia could be provided on the plates, for example the alphabet or other text or pictures. These could also help to indicate the correct order in which to assemble the puzzle. Furthermore the plates may be shaped to assemble into and form other shapes than a cube.

Figure 4 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. This comprises a first square base 10 with a post 11 projecting substantially perpendicularly from a centre portion thereof. The base 10 is attached to a support 12 such that the base and support are substantially perpendicular to each other as shown. The base 10 is provided with a face 13 on its outer surface, and the support 12 is provided with wheels 14. The puzzle as a whole, when assembled, may form, for example, an animal such as a pig, or a lorry or a combination of the features of these two.

The puzzle further comprises a second base 20 having four posts 21 adjacent its four corners and projecting substantially perpendicularly therefrom. The second base is detachable from the first base and support.

The assembly components of the puzzle comprise plates 30 each of which has nine holes 31 therein, arranged as shown. The holes are dimensioned and positioned such that they can engage the post 11 of the first base and/or one or more of the posts 21 of the second base. The plates have indicia on their outside faces which, when the puzzle is correctly assembled, form letters 32.

The puzzle is assembled by locating the plates on the posts one at a time building the puzzle up layer by layer such that the indicia on the outside faces of the plates form letters as shown. The plates 30 may be located one at a time on the post 11 of the first base 10, and the second base 20 then located in the holes of the plate such that the plates are mounted on the support 12 between the two bases 10, 20. Alternatively, the plates may be located one at a time on the posts 21 of the second base 20 and the assembled plates then located on the post 11 of the base 10. The base 20 may be positioned substantially vertically or substantially horizontally for location of the plates thereon. In either assembly method, the plates may be located on the posts such that the plates and the base are aligned, or the plates may be located on the posts such that they are out of alignment with the base (plates 35, 36 as shown).

In a modification of this embodiment, the first base 10 may be attached by one or more hinges to the support 12 such that the base pivots about the hinge or hinges to extend from the support substantially parallel thereto. The post 11 will then be substantially vertical and the plates may be located one at a time on the post. The plates may then be rotated on the post to align their indicia to form the letters 32.

In an alternative modification of this embodiment, the first base 10 may be pivotally attached to an upper surface of the support 12, and may pivot about this surface such that the post 11 remains substantially parallel to this surface but is pivoted out of alignment thereto. Plates may be located one by one on the post 11 when in this position, and rotated to align their indicia to form the letters 32.

Claims

1. A three dimensional puzzle comprising a plurality of components including at least one base, at least one post fixed to and projecting from the or each base and at least one assembly component, such that, on assembly of the puzzle, the or at least one of the assembly components engage the post or posts of the or each base to locate the assembly component or components in a chosen position.

2. A three dimensional puzzle according to claim 1, wherein the assembled puzzle has the shape of a cube or other generally rectangular shape.

3. A three dimensional puzzle according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the components of the puzzle comprise jigsaw pieces.

4. A three dimensional puzzle according to claim 3, wherein the jigsaw pieces assemble to form a hollow three dimensional puzzle.

5. A three dimensional puzzle according to claim 3, wherein the jigsaw pieces assemble to form a solid or substantially solid three dimensional puzzle.

6. A three dimensional puzzle according to any preceding claim, wherein the assembly component or components are provided with holes or other means with which to engage the post or posts.

7. A three dimensional puzzle according to any preceding claim, wherein a plurality of assembly components are provided which are assembled in layers.

8. A three dimensional puzzle according to claim 7, wherein the layers each comprise one piece.

9. A three dimensional puzzle according to claim 7, wherein the layers each comprise a plurality of pieces.

10. A three dimensional puzzle according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein each layer has an opening therein to receive an insert block.

11. A three dimensional puzzle according to any preceding claim, wherein the post or posts of the or each base project substantially perpendicularly from the or each base of the puzzle.

12. A three dimensional puzzle according to any preceding claim, wherein the post or posts are rigid or substantially rigid.

13. A three dimensional puzzle according to claim 12, wherein the post or posts are made of medium density fibreboard.

14. A three dimensional puzzle according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the or each post is pliant.

15. A three dimensional puzzle according to claim 14, wherein the or each post comprises a spring.

16. A three dimensional puzzle according to claim 15, wherein the spring is a close-coiled helical spring, which is plastic coated.

17. A three dimensional puzzle according to any preceding claim, wherein a part of the or each post furthest from the base is adapted to receive retaining means for retaining the components of the puzzle in their assembled form.

18. A three dimensional puzzle according to claim 17, wherein the part of the or each post furthest from the base is screw-threaded and a nut provided for engagement with said part to retain the puzzle in its assembled form.

19. A three dimensional puzzle according to any preceding claim, wherein a plurality of assembly components are provided which are coded in a manner which indicates the order of their engagement on the post or posts of the or each base.

20. A three dimensional puzzle according to claim 19, wherein the coding is in the form of the shape of the assembly components.

21. A three dimensional puzzle according to claim 19, wherein the coding comprises colour coding.

22. A three dimensional puzzle according to claim 19, wherein the coding takes the form of indicia.

23. A three dimensional puzzle according to claim 22, wherein the indicia are provided on each assembly component, and on more than one surface of each assembly component.

24. A three dimensional puzzle according to claim 23, wherein the indicia of more than one assembly component are interlinked, to be assembled together into a composite representation on an outside surface or surfaces of the puzzle.

25. A three dimensional puzzle according to any preceding claim, wherein the components of the puzzle are manufactured from wood such as medium density fibreboard, or a plastics material.

26. A three dimensional puzzle according to any preceding claim, wherein the puzzle is in the shape of a cube with one horizontal base having a post fixed at or near each corner, each post projecting substantially perpendicularly from the base, and wherein a plurality of assembly components are provided which comprise plates with a hole at or near each corner for engaging a post to locate each plate substantially parallel to the base.

27. A three dimensional puzzle according to claim 26, wherein the outside faces of the cube have a pattern thereon, which pattern indicates the order in which the plates of the puzzle are to be assembled.

28. A three dimensional puzzle according to claim 26 or claim 27, wherein one or more of the plates have a opening therein to receive an insert block.

29. A three dimensional puzzle according to claim 28, wherein one insert block is inserted in the openings of a plurality of plates.

30. A three dimensional puzzle according to claim 29, wherein the insert block is in the shape of the assembled puzzle, and indicates the pattern on the outside of the puzzle.

31. A three dimensional puzzle according to claim 29, wherein the insert block is a device for narrating text especially instructions as to how to assemble the puzzle.

32. A three dimensional puzzle according to any of claims 1 to 25, wherein the puzzle comprises two bases, and the assembly component or components of the puzzle are located between the bases.

33. A three dimensional puzzle according to claim 32, wherein the bases have the same number of posts.

34. A three dimensional puzzle according to claim 32, wherein the bases have different numbers of posts.

35. A three dimensional puzzle according to any of claims 1 to 25.

wherein the puzzle has two bases, a first base having a single post projecting substantially perpendicularly therefrom and a second base having four posts projecting substantially perpendicularly therefrom, and wherein a plurality of assembly components are provided which comprise plates each having nine holes therein positioned for location of the plates on the post or the posts of the bases.

36. A three dimensional puzzle according to claim 35, wherein the puzzle is built up plate by plate on the first base, and the second base is located on the plates after assembly thereof.

37. A three dimensional puzzle according to claim 1, wherein the puzzle is built up plate by plate on the second base, and the first base is located on the plates after assembly thereof.

38. A three dimensional puzzle substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.

39. A three dimensional puzzle substantially as described herein with reference to Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings.

40. A three dimensional puzzle substantially as described herein with reference to Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings.