GB2352642A

GB2352642A - 3-D puzzle & toy

Info

Publication number: GB2352642A
Application number: GB9918222A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mark John Dickinson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-08-04
Filing date: 1999-08-04
Publication date: 2001-02-07
Also published as: GB9918222D0

Abstract

A 3-D puzzle is fabricated by cutting layers of wood or plastic into rectangles; temporarily clamping the layers together and profiling the edges as necessary; cutting eg triangular shapes from the edges of individual layers and fastening or glueing the triangular cut-outs to a neighbouring layer to form the interlocking elements of the puzzle; and optionally creating apertures in individual layers to receive matching projections on neighbouring layers. The resulting puzzle when correctly assembled can form a toy house, station, boat etc. A baseboard with suitable projections can support a number of toy buildings formed from individual puzzles (Figs 7 and 8, not shown).

Description

2352642 3 D Jigsaw Puzzle Toy This invention relates to 3 dimensional

jigsaw puzzle toys.

Jigsaw puzzles are universal, 3) dimensional puzzles being somewhat rarer. 3 dimensional puzzles that also represent distinctive shapes, (for example houses or railway stations), rarer still. On completion of such a puzzle these objects are toys in their own right. This invention is of attractive 3 dimensional, 3 'puzzle toys which may be constructed very easily, and designed with equal ease to suit different age groups.

According to the present invention puzzles are constructed by progressive lavering of sheets of wood, (alternative materials such as plastic could be used). The sheets are all cut to suitable sized rectangles for the puzzle toy that is desired, 15cm. x 10cm would be suitable for a house, with 2 cm width material for a simple 4 layered toy. The 4 rectangles, (in this example), are then placed on top of each other and shaped as required, in this example to produce a sloping roof effect. The rectangle that will be second from bottom in the final construction then has a number of shapes cut from its edges, (in the figures shown these are simple triangles made by 2 straight cuts). The triangular cut outs are then glued, or fastened in some other manner, onto the bottom sheet. Their positions will exactly correspond with the cut outs in the second from bottom rectangle of material when the 2 rectangles are sitting exactly on top of each other. The same process is followed with the third from bottom rectangle, in addition a square chimney is placed on the upper side of this sheet, twice the width of the sheets. Finally a suitable hole is removed from the material of the top sheet of material to match the chimney on the sheet below. It can be appreciated that the 4 sheets now lock into one another in a unique way, such that correct assembly will produce the likeness of a house, a toy in its own right. The toy may be produced in any number of layers, 2 or greater, and can be produced in alternative shapes, (stations, boats, trees, factories, etc.) The accompanying drawings show the house described above from 2 angles, (figures I and 2), in addition to showing the 4 pieces that make up this particular puzzle( figures 3.4,5, and 6).

Figures 7 and 8 show an extension of the idea whereby a base board is constructed to house any number of such puzzle toys. In figure 7, the board and 3 buildings are shown, in figure 8 the board with the buildings removed.

Claims

1. 3 dimensional jigsaw puzzle toys comprising a number of interlocking layers producing distinct shapes when correctly assembled- 2. A puzzle as in claim 1, the desired final shape of which being produced by the shaping of clamped sheets of material that make up the puzzle.

3 in I A puzzle as i claims I and 2, produced by removing pieces from one sheet of material and fixing these pieces to the sheet below, exactly corresponding with the cut outs above. In this way correct completion of the puzzle produces the shape, as per claim 2.

4. Using the methods as in claims 1, 2, and 3, producing a range of puzzles, the simplest having very few sheets, (2 or 3), more complicated puzzles having 10 sheets or more, assembled sheets producing a variety of shapes as desired, (houses, boats, trees, stations, factories, etc.), the completed puzzle being a toy in it's own right.

5. Using the methods as in claims 1,2,3, and 4, to produce whole villages or towns, with the use of a number of puzzle toys and a base board, (figures 7 and 8).

5. A 3 dimensional jigsaw puzzle toy substantially as described herein with references to figures I to 8 inclusive.