GB2447722A

GB2447722A - A Polygonal Toy

Info

Publication number: GB2447722A
Application number: GB0801364A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Otto Jakso
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-03-17
Filing date: 2008-01-25
Publication date: 2008-09-24
Anticipated expiration: 2028-01-25
Also published as: GB2447722B; GB0801364D0; GB0705181D0

Abstract

A toy comprises twenty elongate members linked using angled joints. The elongate members may be of a circular or square profile and, along with the joints, may be coloured on one or more sides.

Description

* 2447722

TITLE

A Polygon Puzzle

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

It is a toy to help in the development of spatial awareness, logical thinking, finger dexterity and creativity.

This can be achieved by creating numerous 2 and free standing 3 dimensional shapes by folding and twisting the permanently linked coloured sides and elbows of this 20 sided polygon and as an extra challenge the colours can be manipulated in such a logical and pre-determined way that when the puzzle is folded up into a stack all the outside facing colours would be the same.

BACKGROUND

This invention is based on my Registered Design of A Polygon Puzzle (Registration Number: 4001242). The registered design was based on my art works I called the Interactive Kinetic Sculpture Puzzles. A Patent Application (No.: 0705181.6) was lodged on the 17th of March 2007 in order to protect my idea further.

This revised application is the result of many months of development of the same design mentioned above, to finally arrive to the most cost and time effective ways of construction.

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DESCRIPTION:

A Polygon Puzzle (Toy) A toy to help in the development of spatial awareness, logical thinking and finger dexterity.

Construction can be as follows: -Push and tap one end of the tube (Figure 5a) into the elbow (Figure 5e). It will become lodged permanently as soon as the end of the tube (recessed section) passes through the narrow section in the elbow (Figure 5e). While, now the tube cannot be pulled out of the elbow, the elbow (due to proper tolerance) can now turn around the tube 3600. After applying the vinyl stickers push the "sleeve tube" (Figure 5g) over the inner tube and fix the second elbow on the other end of the tube the same way as described above. The sleeve slides and turns over the inner tube and the ends of it disappear under into a recess in the ends of the elbows (Figure 5e). The clearance gap left at each end allows the sleeve to roll around the tube freely unless one crimped end of the sleeve is pushed into one of the elbows where due to the narrowing diameters it will become lodged and can only be moved around in unison with that elbow (Figure 5e). When the sleeve is pulled backwards, it will with a gentle click, dislodge from the elbow and move freely around the tube again. Continue building the puzzle by repeating the above steps on each side around the puzzle until you construct the shape shown on Figure 6. Take care that on the last three sides the adjustable tubes/sleeves and elbows are used (Figure 415b/5f). To finish it stick colour stickers on the elbows.

-with the second method of construction one end of the tubes on Figure 5a/5b machined with no tolerance so when this end is pushed into the elbow it will lodge in there permanently therefore the this end of the tube moves in unison with the elbow. The other end of each tube is fixed into the elbow using the same method as above allowing it to move around 360 . Drill a hole into the inner tubes (Figure 5a/5b) and drill four holes into the sleeves (Figure 5g). Apply coloured stickers to sleeves. Assemble inner tubes, sleeves and spring loaded ball as shown on Figure 5c.

Each time the sleeve is turned it will lock onto the inner tube when the ball clicks into the hole in the sleeve. Repeat the above steps to finish the construction. Take care to use the 3 longer tubes (Figure 5b) and corresponding elbows (Figure 51) for the handle' section. Finally, apply colour stickers to elbows.

When completed it is a permanently linked geometric shape in the form of a 20 sided polygon.

The sides and elbows are made of tubes and all the tubes have two sides of the same two contrasting colours. (The three and four colour versions are also available in which case the profile of the sides and elbows can be either tubular or square). The puzzle can be folded up to give the appearance of a stack of squares with one side forming a handle' across the top. The handle and the two connecting sidcs can be made longer (see Figure 4/51) to accommodate the other sides folded within and to provide a starting/finishing shape. (see Figure 1/2/3/4) Numerous 2 and 3 dimensional designs can be achieved by folding and twisting the sides and elbows. The inner tubes are permanently fitted into the elbows and cannot be pulled apart by natural force. However, each side can be manipulated 3600 around its axis, and with an internal locking device they can also be locked into position. (see Figure 5c/5e/5f) To start with, the colours can be turned/adjusted to mix them up randomly. For example: when the stack is unfolded and laid flat (see Figure 6) the sides (sleeves) would need to be manipulated and locked into position in such a pre-determined way that when the puzzle is folded up again into a stack all outward facing sides would be the same colour. Figure 6 is only one of the numerous starting positions to achieve this outcome.

This is a unique self-contained puzzle and you also have the opportunity to create various 2D and 3D shapes in aesthetically pleasing forms and colours while, remaining one single unit at all times.

Claims

CLAIMS: I. A permanently linked 20 sided polygon puzzle.
2. The sides and elbows are made of tubes and all the tubes and elbows have two sides of the same two contrasting colours.
3. The sides and elbows can also have 3 or 4 colours.
4. The profile of the tubes can be either tubular or square.
5. Each side consists of an inner and an outer tube which interact with each other.
6. Three out of the twenty sides are adjustable in length to allow for the formation of the stack handles'.
7. The three adjustable sides can be moved by sliding them back and forth (Figure 4).
8. With internal locking devices located in the tubes and elbows, the sides can be locked into position to ensure a certain colour is facing a particular way.
9. No visible internal parts.
JO. When the shape is manipulated and folded up correctly into a stack of squares, with a handle' going across the top, all outward facing sides will be the same colour (Figure Ia).
11. Two methods of construction employed to achieve the same outcome.
12. The sides and elbows can be manipulated (turned and twisted) to produce a large number of different 2 and free standing 3 dimensional shapes.
13. Then all these shapes could be used as the starting position to start manipulating the sides to achieve the required order of colours when the puzzle is folded up into the final position/stack (see Figure 1/2/3).
14. The free standing 3D shapes can have many functional uses as well.
15. Pulling the toy apart is not possible without damage to its components.
16. Remains as one single unit throughout its many transformations.
17. The puzzle is reversible, that is one can start from the stack position and manipulate the sides so when the puzzle is folded out into a given shape all the colours will be eg.: lining up on the outside on the shape/form.
18. The puzzle can be as easy or as difficult as the user would like it to be.
19. Use of light weight and durable materials makes this toy ideal for anyone above 5 years of age.
20. It helps in the development of spatial awareness, logical thinking and finger dexterity.