GB2481652A

GB2481652A - Manipulatable puzzle

Info

Publication number: GB2481652A
Application number: GB1011227.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alexander Courtney England
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-07-02
Filing date: 2010-07-02
Publication date: 2012-01-04
Also published as: GB201011227D0

Abstract

A manipulatable puzzle comprises a wheel (5) rotatable about an axis (7), a continuous track extending around the puzzle, the continuous track crossing and partially defined by the wheel (5). The puzzle also comprises a plurality of sliding elements (3) in which each sliding element is engagable with the wheel (5) such that it is rotatable with the wheel (5) about the axis (7). Each sliding element (3) is slidably engagable with the track such that it is moveable along the track. Optionally there may be a plurality of wheels and each of the wheels is independently rotatable, there may also be two continuous tracks in which each continuous track comprises a curved portion.

Description

MANIPULATABLE PUZZLE

The present invention relates to a manipulatable puzzle.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

It is human nature to adopt a challenge, and small hand-held twisty puzzles have caught the public's imagination over the decades. Rubik's cube is testament to this effect, as evidenced by its longevity and the fact that it has sold over 300 million cubes since its initial release, and was, in fact, in recent years the most popular toy in the United Kingdom.

There are various rotating puzzles currently in the market with the majority owing their inspiration to the Rubik's cube. The inevitable result is that the majority of puzzles currently on the market conform to Rubik's style of numerous sliders rotating around a central core. This can be evidenced by such varieties as the Skewb cube (US patent no. 5,193,809) and Megaminx (UK Patent Application GB 2101491 A).

There are a handful of sliding puzzles, such as the Hungarian Globe and Equator puzzles. These puzzles allow sliders to slide along 3 different axes, with the axes intersecting at various stages. The drawback of these puzzles is that a sphere is cumbersome for the users, as it affords minimal grip whilst users simultaneously attempt to twist various parts of it. Further, the design of some sliding puzzles has resulted in an unsmooth and restrictive sensation, unlike the user friendliness of the puzzles which rotate around a central core.

There has also been a puzzle which combines rotating and sliding as can be evidenced in US patent no. US 4949,969. This puzzle utilises rotating drums which the sliders lock into and then provide the option of sliding the movable sliders from one drum to another. The major drawback of this puzzle is that it requires a missing slider so that a slider can move from one drum to the next by moving into the space left by the missing slider. This also highlights the flaw that the sliders are only capable of moving a fixed distance around the puzzle at a time i.e. to fill the gap of the missing slider(s). Movement is, therefore, determined by the size of the gap/missing slider(s).

It is the aim of the present invention to provide the best aspects of the above puzzle types that provides a new style of puzzle with enhanced usability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is defined in the appended independent claims to which reference should now be made. Preferred features are set forth in the dependent claims.

The puzzle may consist of multiple moving parts: every surface piece being capable of moving to any alternative location of the puzzle in any orientation. This may be achieved by numerous parallel wheels or tumblers, which rotate around a single axis, each separated by a spacer disk. The tumblers each comprise grooves or other means engaging the surface pieces. Each end of the puzzle may comprise intersecting curved tracks which form an extension of tracks created by the aligned grooves on the tumblers, enabling the surface pieces to slide in a continual elongated motion around the periphery of the puzzle.

The sliding pieces surrounding the proximity of the puzzle may include some form of insignia which when combined, form a pattern or picture solution for the users to solve. Exarrple solutions could be based on various coloured faces or even a fruit machine.

A thermoplastic that could be used for manufacturing various parts of the puzzle is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), as used in the Rubiks cube puzzle. Other plastics that might also be used include polypropylene (PP), high impact polystyrene (HIPS), and high density polyethylene (HDPE).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows two alternative perspective views of a manipulatable puzzle according to the invention.

Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the puzzle of Figure 1 Figure 3 shows a three-dimensional view of an individual tumbler interlocking with sliding elements from the puzzle of Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 4 shows a three-dimensional view of a spacer disk and a spacer disk adjacent to a tumbler, from the puzzle of Figures 1 to 3.

Figure 5 shows alternative three-dimensional views of a sliding element from the puzzle of Figures 1 to4.

Figure 6 shows a three-dimensional view through a section of the puzzle of Figures I to 5, illustrating how sliders support each other when interlocked with a tumbler.

Figure 7 shows a three-dimensional view of sliding elements and supporting disks, from the puzzle of Figures 1 to 5, illustrating how the sliding elements are supported by spacer disks.

Figure 8 shows a three-dimensional view of an intersecting curved track section from the puzzle of Figures 1 to 7.

Figure 9 shows a three-dimensional view of a sliding element interacting with a curved track, illustrating how the intersecting curved tracks guide the sliding elements.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As can be seen from Fig I and Fig 2, the puzzle consists of a plurality of parallel wheels or tumblers 5 rotatable around a central axle or axis 7. Spacer disks 6 sit between each tumbler 5, enabling the tumblers 5 to move freely and independently of each other. Located around the perimeter of the tumblers 5 are multiple sliding elements or sliders 3 which can either interlock with the tumblers 5 and rotate with them, or instead, can slide between the tumblers 5 and aroundlalong the intersecting curved tracks 2 at either end of the puzzle. The intersecting curved tracks 2 allow the sliders 3 to change direction and orientation, thereby reorganising the layout.

The cross section of the central Axis 7 is hexagonal and penetrates the centre of all tumblers 5 and spacer disks 6. The centre of each tumbler 5 defines a circular hole (Fig 3), which allows the tumbler 5 to rotate freely around the axis 7. The centre 14 (Fig 4) of each spacer disk 6 is, however, hexagonal to replicate the shape of the axis 7 and is, therefore, unable to rotate around the axis 7. The concept of certain shapes moving freely around the axis 7 whist others are prevented could be achieved by a number of shapes and means (such as affixing the spacer disks 6 to the axis 7 so that they are unable to move freely), and the use of a hexagonal and circular shape is just a preferred embodiment for this puzzle.

Fig 3 shows how each tumbler 5 has a circular cross section with a plurality of trapezium-shaped grooves 9 defined around its perimeter. These grooves 9 align on all of the different tumblers 5 and some of the grooves 9 defined by the tumblers also align with the intersecting curved tracks 2 which loop around the ends of the puzzle to create a continuous track extending around the puzzle. Once a slider 3 has moved into a groove 9, the tumbler 5 then has control over its movement: if the tumbler 5 rotates, it simultaneously moves the sliders 3 with it. The trapezium shape of the grooves 9 and slider tenons 11 also prevents the sliders from being removed from the puzzle. On one side of the tumbler 5 is an indented ring 8 with holes or indents 4 located within it corresponding to the angular location of each of the grooves 9. When the tumbler 5 rotates, a small nodule 15 as indicated in Fig 4, protruding from the spacer disks 6 slides around the ring 8. The small pressure caused by the proximity of the tumbler 5 and spacer disk 6 results in a gentle sensation each time the nodule 15 approaches, and is consequently forced into, one of the holes 4. This creates a tactile feel and assists the user in aligning the tumblers 5 precisely, providing a more sensory experience and enhances the performance of the puzzle. When the tumblers 5, spacer disks 6 and Intersecting curved tracks 2 align, they create the channels which encircle the puzzle and thereby enable the smooth and unrestricted movement of the Sliders as they slide around the puzzle/intersecting curved tracks 2.

The puzzle consists of multiple sliders 3 whose symmetry as illustrated in Fig 5, enables them to traverse or slide around the entirety of the circumference of the puzzle along the curved tracks 2 and between tumblers 5, thereby enabling any slider 3 to reach any location of the puzzle in any orientation.

When sliding in the grooves or tracks 9 of the tumblers 5, the trapezium shaped tenon 11 interlocks with the groove 9 (this inter-locking capability is achievable by numerous shapes, but the preferred embodiment for this puzzle is trapezium). Each Slider 3 is able to rotate in a circular path with the tumber 5 which defines a first plane of movement or first pathway. Each slider can also slide in elongated circles owing to the intersecting curved tracks 2 which loop around each of the ends of the puzzle, each track partially defining a second plane of movement or second pathway. The first plane of movement or first pathway is substantially perpendicular to each second plane of movement or second pathway. This enables the sliders 3 to be mixed up thoroughly.

The top of the tenon 11 is attached to the lower base or level of the slider 3. This lower base is flat with the angled edges 18. This angle allows for a smooth transition when sliding from one tumbler 5 to the next. Attached to the top of the is lower leve' of the slider is a series of convex pieces 14 re'ating to the radius of the puzzle. The upper level of the slider situated above the lower level has a series of concave pieces 15 which are facing the lower level. These curved pieces on the lower and upper levels define a channel 16 through which the rails 23 will slide when the sliders 3 navigate around the intersecting curved tracks 2 as shown in Fig 9.

Each corner section 17 of both the upper and lower levels is angled so that it accommodates the curved channel 16 for all sides. A side view of the sliders (as shown in Figures 5 to 7) illustrates how the upper level is wider than the lower level.

The angle 18 created by this overhang correlates to the radius of the puzzle as demonstrated in Fig 6 so that when the sliders 3 are arranged in a circular fashion (as would be the case when interlocked with a tumbler 5 or intersecting curved tracks 2), the sliders 3 still remain tightly aligned, supporting and pushing against each other and retaining the solid feel of the puzzle.

Fig 7 also shows how the tapered shape caused by the angled 18 lower and upper levels allows the sliders 3 to rest neatly against the tapered edge 13 of the spacer disk 6 when rotating with the tumblers 5. When sliders 3 are side by side as in the case for two sliders 3 on two adjoining tumblers 5, the upper level has a 9Odegree 33 angled flat edge 19. When pushing a slider 3, this flat edge 19 pushes against the flat edge 19 of the adjoining slider 3 and transfers the force, thereby enabling all of the sliders 3 in a row (i.e. on a track 2 or a tumbler 5 to move simultaneously). In order to maintain the distance between the sliders 3, spacer disks 6 sit between the tumblers 5.

Between each tumbler 5 there is a spacer disk 6 which acts as a barrier between s the tumblers 5: each tumbler 5 is able to move freely and independently. Fig 4 shows that the outer edge of the spacer disk 6 includes a number of grooves 12 at specific angles. In the preferred embodiment there are four grooves 12 spaced at degree angles around the disk and align with the two intersecting curved tracks 2. These grooves 12 allow the sliders 3 to slide from one tumbler 5 to another. Any io slider 3 not aligned with a groove 12 in the spacer disk 6 is, therefore, prevented from being removed from its current tumbler 5. The outer edge of the spacer disk 6 is tapered 13 so that sliders 3 are provided with guidance as they rotate with the tumbler. The tapered edge 13 also provides support to any sliders 13 which are not aligned with a groove 12. This support also prevents the sliders 3 from rattling and provides a solid and quality feel to the puzzle.

Fig 8 illustrates the intersecting curved tracks 2 which complete the sliding channels at either end of the puzzle and connect parts of the track defined by the tumblers.

They connect the top of the puzzle to the bottom, the front of the puzzle to the back and they also intersect at an intersection I substantially perpendicularly.

The tumblers are arranged to create a substantially cylindrical section. The curved tracks are positioned at the ends of the cylindrical section and each curved track connects or bridges parts of the track defined the tumblers, on opposing sides of the cylinder.

Fig 9 shows how the sliders 3 are able to navigate around the intersecting curved tracks 2 by utilising the rails 23. These rails 23 fit through the channel 16 created by the curved pieces 14 & 15 attached to the lower and upper levels of the Sliders 3.

The flat edge 20 of the lower level of the slider 3 runs against the inside wall 24 of the intersecting curved tracks 2. This ensures that the slider 3 travels in a straight line. The sliders tenon 11 has no part in traversing this section and instead passes through the channel 25 without interacting with anything. As a slider 3 traverses from a tumbler 5 to the intersecting curved tracks 2, the circular central core 21 of the slider 3 ensures that it fits seamlessly between the tracks 23 without catching.

The sliding tracks 23 intersect each other at the intersection I which enables a slider 3 to change the direction it is moving in and ultimately change its orientation with relation to the puzzle.

Any form of suitable engagement between the sliders and the tumblers may be used, such that the sliders are rotatable with the tumblers.

Any form of suitable engagement between the sliders and the track may be used, such that the sliders are movable along the track.

Any form of surface pattern or texture on the sliders to form a solvable puzzle may io be used.

Claims

Claims 1. A manipulatable puzzle comprising: a wheel rotatable about an axis; a continuous track extending around the puzzle, the continuous track crossing and partially defined by the wheel; and a plurality of sliding elements, in which each sliding element is engagable with the wheel such that it is rotatable with the wheel about the axis, and in which each sliding element is slidably engagable with the track such that it is movable along the track.
2. A puzzle according to claim 1, in which the wheel defines a first plane of movement for each sliding element and the track defines a second plane of movement io for each sliding element, the first and second planes of movement being substantially perpendicular to each other.
3. A puzzle according to claim I or claim 2, comprising a plurality of wheels, each wheel rotatable about the axis and partially defining the continuous track.
4. A puzzle according to claim 3, in which each of the plurality of wheels is independently rotatable.
5. A puzzle according to any preceding claim, in which a non-rotatable spacer disk is positioned either side of each wheel.
6. A puzzle according to any preceding claim, further comprising a plurality of continuous tracks, each track partially defined by the wheel or wheels.
7. A puzzle according to claim 6, in which there are two continuous tracks.
8. A puzzle according to claim 7 in which the continuous tracks intersect each other substantially perpendicularly.
9. A puzzle according to any preceding claim in which the or each continuous track comprises a curved portion.
10. A puzzle according to claim 9, in which the wheel or wheels form a substantially cylindrical section and the curved portion is arranged at an end of the cylindrical section.
11. A puzzle according to claim 9 or claim 10, which comprises a non-rotatable end piece on which the curved portion is formed.
12. A puzzle according to claim 11, in which the curved portion connects different parts of the track defined by the wheel or wheels.s
13. A puzzle according to any preceding claim, in which the or each continuous track is filled by a plurality of sliding elements, such that movement of one sliding element along the track is accompanied by movement of all of the other sliding elements engaged with the track.
14. A puzzle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.*::r: INTELLECTUAL 10 . ... PROPERTY OFFICE Application No: GB 1011227.4 Examiner: Mr Mark Sexton Claims searched: 1-14 Date of search: 11 October 2011 Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17 Documents considered to be relevant: Category Relevant Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance to claims X all EP0048795 Al (FOK GYEM FINOMMECH ELEK) -see whole document, noting figs 12 & 13 and resilient stopper plate 27 (figure 18) X 1 at least CN2O 1625410 U (NUANJUN ZHENG) -see WPI abstract accession no. 10-Q26576/06 and note the embodiment shown in fig.16 X 1 at least U52009/2 18765 Al (PAQUETTE) -see whole document X latleast U55816571A1 (CHEN) -see whole document X 1 at least U52008/06 1503 Al (GIERMEK) -see whole document X latleast U55301943A (ASZTALOS) -see whole document X 1 at least U52010/230898 Al (ABRAMENKOV) -see whole document X 1 at least U5487 1173 A (LAMMERTINK) -see whole document Categories: X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive A Document indicating technological background and/or state step of the art.Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if P Document published on or after the declared priority date but combined with one or more other documents of before the filing date of this invention.same category.& Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:Search of GB, EP. WO & US patent documents classified in the following areas of the UKCX Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.ipo.gov.uk *::r: INTELLECTUAL . .... PROPERTY OFFICE Worldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPC A63F The following online and other databases have been used in the preparation of this search report Online:WPI,EPODOC International Classification: Subclass Subgroup Valid From A63F 0009/08 01/01/2006 Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.ipo.gov.uk