GB2609989A

GB2609989A - Puzzle toy

Info

Publication number: GB2609989A
Application number: GB2112000.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: McAndrew Kenneth; Bell Graeme
Original assignee: China Industries Ltd
Current assignee: China Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2021-08-20
Filing date: 2021-08-20
Publication date: 2023-02-22
Also published as: GB202112000D0

Abstract

There is disclosed a puzzle toy. The puzzle toy comprises a block 2a with one or more mechanical actuators 10. The puzzle toy also comprises a base (3 figure 3) with a recess (4 figure 3) dimensioned to at least partially receive the block, one or more switches 7a, 7b, 7c and an output device (8 figure 3). An output is generated from the output device, the output being dependent on the configuration of the one or more switches. When the block is located in the recess the one or more mechanical actuators change the configuration of the one or more switches. The mechanical actuators may comprise notches or protrusions on the block. The switches may comprise push buttons. Also disclosed is a method of producing a puzzle toy.

Description

1 Puzzle Toy 3 The present invention relates to a puzzle toy and in particular an interactive picture puzzle 4 toy comprising one or more blocks.

6 Background to the Invention

8 An example of an interactive picture puzzle toy known in the art comprises a base and one 9 or more blocks. The one or more blocks can be arranged within the base to form different pictures. The base and each of the one or more blocks comprise integrated electronics 11 and conductive materials. As such, when the blocks are arranged within the base to form 12 a first picture, the blocks complete an electrical circuit prompting a first sound. When the 13 one or more blocks are rearranged to form a second picture, the electrical circuit is again 14 completed prompting a second sound. The different arrangement of the blocks modifies the electrical circuit resulting in different sounds when different pictures are completed.

17 The interactive aspect of the puzzle toy known in the art relies upon integrated electronics 18 and conductive materials within the base and each of the one or more blocks to complete 19 the electrical circuit. As such, the puzzle toy is expensive to manufacture. Furthermore, 1 due to the complexity of the electrical components of the puzzle toy, the puzzle toy is more 2 prone to failure. In addition, the puzzle toy requires all of the one or more blocks to be in 3 position within the base to complete the electrical circuit before any sound can be 4 produced. This limits the functionality of the puzzle toy.

6 Summary of the Invention

8 It is an object of an aspect of the present invention to provide a puzzle toy that obviates or 9 at least mitigates one or more of the aforesaid disadvantages of the toys known in the art.

11 According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a puzzle toy 12 comprising: 13 a block comprising one or more mechanical actuators; and 14 a base comprising: a recess dimensioned to at least partially receive the block; 16 one or more switches; and 17 an output device; 18 wherein an output is generated from the output device, the output being dependent on the 19 configuration of the one or more switches.

21 Preferably, when the block is located within the recess the one or more mechanical 22 actuators change the configuration of the one or more switches.

24 Preferably, the puzzle toy may comprise two or more blocks.

26 Preferably, the recess is dimensioned to receive the two or more blocks.

28 Preferably, the recess is divided by dividing walls into two or more portions, each of the 29 two or more portions dimensioned to at least partially receive one of the two or more blocks.

32 Preferably, each of the two or more portions comprise a set of switches.

34 Preferably, the location of each set of switches within the respective two or more portions comprises a different location offset.

2 Preferably, each of the two or more blocks comprises one or more mechanical actuators.

3 The location of the one or more mechanical actuators on each of the two or more blocks 4 comprises a different location offset.

6 Preferably, the one or more mechanical actuators comprise notches. Alternatively, the 7 one or more mechanical actuators may comprise protrusions.

9 Preferably, the one or more switches comprises push buttons.

11 Preferably, the output device may be a speaker, light, vibration module, any suitable 12 alternative and or any combination thereof.

14 According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for producing a puzzle toy comprising: 16 providing a block comprising one or more mechanical actuators; and 17 providing a base comprising: 18 a recess dimensioned to at least partially receive the block; 19 one or more switches; and an output device; and 21 providing an output generated from the output device, the output being dependent on the 22 configuration of the one or more switches.

24 Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention may comprise features to implement the preferred or optional features of the first aspect of the invention or vice versa.

27 Brief Description of Drawings

29 There will now be described, by way of example only, various embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings, of which: 32 Figure 1 presents a perspective view of a puzzle toy in accordance with an embodiment of 33 the present invention; Figure 2 presents a perspective view of a block of the puzzle toy of Figure 1; 2 Figure 3 presents a perspective view of a base of the puzzle toy of Figure 1; 4 Figure 4 presents a schematic top view of the base of Figure 3; 6 Figure 5 presents a perspective view of the puzzle toy of Figure 1 in a first configuration; 8 Figure 6 presents a perspective view of the puzzle toy of Figure 1 in a second 9 configuration; and ii Figure 7 presents a schematic of eight configurations of the puzzle toy of Figure 1.

13 In the description which follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and 14 drawings with the same reference numerals. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and the proportions of certain parts have been exaggerated to better illustrate details and 16 features of embodiments of the invention.

18 Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments An explanation of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 21 to 7.

23 Figure 1 depicts a puzzle toy 1 comprising four blocks 2 and a base 3. The four blocks 2 24 are referred to as a first block 2a, a second block 2b, a third block 2c and a fourth block 2d.

27 The four blocks 2 are of equal size and shape. More specifically, the four blocks 2 each 28 take the form of cubes, as can clearly be seen in Figure 2. It will be appreciated that the 29 four blocks 2 could alternatively each take the form of a rectangular cuboid or any other suitable three-dimensional shape.

32 With reference to Figure 3, the base 3 comprises a square recess 4 proportioned to 33 receive the four blocks 2. The recess 4 is divided by dividing walls 5 into four equal 34 square portions 6, namely a first portion 6a, a second portion 6b, a third portion 6c and a fourth portion 6d. Each portion 6 of the recess 4 is dimensioned to receive one of the four 1 blocks 2. For example, the first portion 6a of the recess 4 is dimensioned to receive the 2 first block 2a.

4 When each of the four blocks 2 are located within the recess 4, the four blocks 2 are positioned such that they tesselate together. The depth of the recess 4 is dimensioned 6 such that when the four blocks 2 located within the recess 4, a portion of each of the four 7 blocks 2 is within the volume of the recess 4 and the remaining portion of each of the four 8 blocks 2 protrudes from the base 3.

The surfaces of the four blocks 2 comprise portions of pictures. When the blocks 2 are 11 located within the base 3 according to a specific orientation and relative positioning, they 12 produce a complete picture.

14 To further describe the functionality of the puzzle toy 1, the surfaces of the blocks 2 have been assigned labels. The surfaces of the first block 2a are labelled Al to A6. The 16 surfaces of the second block 2b are labelled B1 to 36. The surfaces of the third block 2c 17 are labelled Cl to C6. The surfaces of the fourth block 2d are labelled D1 to D6. The 18 relative location of the respective surfaces about each of the four blocks 2 is not important.

19 For example, it is inconsequential if surface Al is opposite A2 or A6. Furthermore, the relative locations of the surfaces may vary from block to block. For example, surface Al 21 relative to surface A2 of the first block 2a may be in a different position in comparison to 22 surface B1 relative to surface 32 of the second block 2b.

24 A complete picture is formed by the combination of surfaces. Surfaces Al, Bl, Cl and D1 form a first picture. Surfaces A2, 32, C2 and D2 form a second picture. Surfaces A3, 33, 26 03 and D3 form a third picture. Surfaces A4, 34, C4 and D4 form a fourth picture.

27 Surfaces A5, B5, 05 and D5 form a fifth picture. Surfaces A6, B6, C6 and D6 form a sixth 28 picture.

In use, a user's aim is to locate and orientate the four blocks 2 within the recess 4 of the 31 base 3 such that, when the four blocks 2 are in situ within the base 3, the surfaces 32 opposing the recess 4 located on the portion of the blocks 2 protruding from the base 3, 33 combine to form a complete picture. These surfaces are termed the chosen or top faces.

1 The puzzle toy 1 comprises interactive functionality to enhance the game play before, 2 during and or after the process of locating each of the four blocks 2 within recess 4 of the 3 base 3 to form a picture, as now described.

The base 3 further comprises one or more switches which take the form of buttons 7 and 6 an output device such as a speaker S. 8 The base 3 comprises twelve buttons 7 grouped into four sets of buttons 9 namely a first 9 set of buttons 9a, a second set of buttons 9b, a third set of buttons 9c and a fourth set of buttons 9d. Each of the four sets of buttons 9 comprises three buttons 7, namely a first 11 button 7a, a second button 7b and a third button 7c. A set of buttons 9 is located within 12 each of the four portions 6 of the recess 4 as can clearly be seen in Figure 4. For 13 example, the first set of buttons 9a is located within the first portion 6a of the recess 4.

To assist the description of the location of the buttons 7, Figure 4 defines an x, y and z 16 direction. Each set of buttons 9 is located towards a corner of the respective portion 6 of 17 the recess 4. Furthermore, the location of each set of buttons 9 is offset in both the x and 18 y direction from the corner of the respective portion 6. The offset in the x direction varies 19 for each set of buttons 9. As depicted in Figure 4, the x direction offset for the first set of buttons 9a is 3.50 mm. The x direction offset for the second set of buttons 9a is 5.75 mm.

21 The x direction offset for the third set of buttons 9c is 7.30 mm. The x direction offset for 22 the fourth set of buttons 9d is 9.75 mm. The y direction offset is 1.50 mm for each set of 23 buttons 9. The three buttons 7 of each set of buttons 9 are equidistantly spaced along the 24 x-direction, separated by 8 mm.

26 The buttons 7 are cylindrical push buttons as can be seen in Figure 5. The buttons 7 27 protrude from the base 3 in the z direction. The buttons 7 are mechanically actuated such 28 that they can be pushed into and out of the base 3. The buttons 7 are deactivated or off in 29 the non-depressed position and the buttons 7 are activated or on in the depressed position. It will be appreciated that this could be reversed such that the non-depressed 31 position corresponds to activated or on and the depressed position corresponds to 32 deactivated or off.

34 Each of the four blocks 2 comprises mechanical actuators in the form of notches 10 located along the edges 11 of the blocks 2, as can clearly be seen in Figures 2, 5 and 6. A 1 notch 10 is dimensioned to be commensurate with a button 7. The number of notches 10 2 and the location of the notches 10 along each edge 11 varies according to the specific 3 block 2 and the specific surfaces adjoining the each edge 11.

Figure 5 depicts the first set of buttons 9a within the first portion 6a of the recess 4. Whilst 6 the first block 2a is depicted in Figure 5, the first block 2a within the vicinity of but not 7 located in the first portion 6a of the recess 4. As such, the first block 2a does not engage 8 the first set of buttons 9a. The three buttons 7 of the first set of buttons 9a are all in the 9 non-depressed position. This configuration of any set of buttons 9 is termed Configuration 1 (see Figure 7) and indicates there is no block 2 located within the corresponding portion 11 6 of the recess 4. In response to this configuration of any set of buttons 9, the output 12 device may produce a specific output. For example, the speaker 8 could initiate the game 13 play by outputting an audio message stating "please place a block in base".

Figure 6 depicts the first block 2a located within the first portion 6a of the recess 4. The 16 first block 2a is orientated such that the top or chosen face of the first block 2a is surface 17 Al. The first block 2a engages the first set of buttons 9a. The edge 11 of the first block 2a 18 aligned with the first set of buttons 9a comprises two notches 10 located to receive the 19 second and third buttons 7b, 7c of the first set of buttons 9a. As such, when in situ within the first portion 6a, the first block 2a depresses the first button 7a of the first set of buttons 21 9a. The combination of the first button 7a in the depressed position and the second and 22 third buttons 7b, 7c in the non-depressed position of any set of buttons 9 is termed 23 Configuration 2. This Configuration 2 (see Figure 7) when exhibited by the first set of 24 buttons 9a indicates that the surface labelled Al of the first block 2a is the chosen or top face. In response to this configuration, the output device may produce a specific output, 26 different to the output produced in response to Configuration 1.

28 The location of the notches 10 along each edge 11 of the first block 2a all incorporate an 29 offset corresponding to the x direction offset for the first set of buttons 9a, specifically 3.50 mm. As such, the notches 10 of the first block 2a are located only to engage with the 31 first set of buttons 9a. Similarly, the notches 10 of the second block 2b are located only to 32 engage with the second set of buttons 9b, the notches 10 of the third block 2c are located 33 only to engage with the third set of buttons 9c and the notches 10 of the fourth block 2d 34 are located only to engage with the fourth set of buttons 9d.

1 If, for example, the second block 2b was located within the first portion 6a of the recess 4, 2 the notches 10 of the second block 2b would not align with the first set of buttons 9a.

3 Whilst the second block 2b does also have notches 10, the location of these notches 10 4 incorporate a different offset, 5.75 mm, in comparison to the first set of buttons 9a. As such, the second block 2b would simply depress all three buttons 7 of the first set of 6 buttons 9a. This configuration where all three buttons 7 of any set of buttons 9 are 7 depressed is termed Configuration 8 (see Figure 7). Configuration 8 indicates an incorrect 8 block 2 has been located in a portion 6 of the recess 4, for example the second block 2a 9 within the first portion 6a of the recess 4.

11 Configuration 8 can also indicate that an edge 11 of the block 2 with no notches 10 has 12 been aligned with the set of buttons 9. For example, the first block 2a may be located 13 within the first portion 6a of the recess 4 with the surface Al as the chosen or top face but 14 the surface Al is at an alternative orientation. In this case, the block 2 requires reorientafing, for example rotating about the z direction, such that an edge 11 with notches 16 10 is aligned with the set of buttons 9.

18 Figure 7 illustrates the eight different possible configurations of each set of buttons 9.

19 Each configuration depicts the three buttons 7 of a set of buttons 9 and if each of the three buttons are depressed (shaded) or not depressed (non-shaded). In summary, 21 Configuration 1 indicates there is no block 2 located within a portion 6 of the recess 4.

22 Configurations 2 to 7 indicates a block 2 located within the a portion 6 of the recess 4 and 23 the orientation of the block, more specifically, which surface (e.g. for the first block 2, 24 surfaces Al, A2, A3, A4, A5 or A6) is the top or chosen face. Configuration 8 indicates an incorrect block 2 is been located in a portion 6 of the recess 4 or the block 2 has the wrong 26 orientation within the portion 6 of the recess 4. In response to each of these 27 configurations, the output device may produce an output unique to each configuration.

29 To summarise the interactive functionality of the puzzle toy 1, the buttons 7 and notches 10 facilitate the output devices of the base 3 being able to output a response before, 31 during and after the game play. The unique outputs can be produced in response to the 32 absence or presence of blocks 2 and or the blocks being correctly or incorrectly located 33 within the base 3 of the puzzle toy 1. This interactive functionality can assist a user in 34 arranging, locating and or orientating the block 2 to form a complete picture, such as the first picture comprising surfaces Al, Bl, Cl and Dl.

2 It will be appreciated that the number of blocks 2 could be more or less than four. Indeed, 3 in an alternative embodiment the puzzle toy 1 may comprise a single block 2.

Furthermore, there may be more or less buttons 7, specifically, sets of buttons 9 and or 6 buttons 7 within a sets of buttons 9 to accommodate the number of blocks 2 or further 7 interactive functionality. For example, additional buttons 7 within a sets of buttons 9 could 8 distinguish between multiple possible outputs for a unique location and orientation of a 9 block 2.

11 As an additional or alternative feature, it will be appreciated the form of the switches may 12 vary. For example, instead of push buttons 7, the switches may take the form of toggle 13 switches or any other suitable type of switches that can be activated by the mechanical 14 actuators of the blocks 2. The location and orientation of the switches may vary according to the form of the switches. Alternatively, the shape of the switches may vary. For 16 example, instead of cylindrical push buttons 7, the switches may cuboid push buttons.

18 As another additional or alternative feature, the form, location, orientation and shape of the 19 mechanical actuators may also vary to suit the form, location, orientation and shape of the switches. For example, instead of a notch 10, the mechanical actuator could instead be a 21 protrusion dimensioned to actuate a recessed push button.

23 As an additional or alternative feature, instead of a speaker, the output device may take 24 the form of a light, a vibration module, any suitable alternative and or any combination thereof. For example, a light could flash green when a block 2 is correctly placed and red 26 when a block 2 is incorrectly placed. By correctly and incorrectly placed, this could mean 27 that after an initial block 2 is located within the base 3, subsequently blocks 2 are correctly 28 or incorrectly located and orientated relative the initial block 2. In other words, the 29 subsequent blocks 2 are correctly or incorrectly placed to form the picture as defined by the chosen or top surface of the initial block 2.

32 It will be appreciated that the pictures located on the surfaces of the blocks 2 can be varied 33 to suit the target user. Furthermore, the unique outputs can also be varied to suit the 34 target user.

1 As a further additional, or alternative feature, instead of the buttons comprising two states, 2 depressed or non-depressed corresponding to on or off, the buttons may comprise more 3 than two states which could increase the interactive functionality of the puzzle toy.

A key advantage of the present invention is that all the electronic components, such as the 6 buttons 7 and output devices are located within the base of the puzzle toy. The buttons 7 7 are simply actuated by mechanical actuators located on the blocks 2. As such, the puzzle 8 toy 1 is simpler and less expensive to construct when compared with those known in the 9 art. Each block 2 does not require the incorporation of relatively intricate and expensive components. Furthermore, due to the simplicity of the puzzle toy 1, it is less likely to fail or 11 break.

13 Another key advantage is that the blocks 2 are not required to all be located within the 14 base 3 to complete a circuit such that an output device will produce an output. The output device such as the speaker 8 can produce sound before, during and after the one or more 16 of the blocks 2 has been located within the base 3 which enhances the interactive 17 functionality of the puzzle toy 1. As such, the puzzle toy 1 has greater scope to be 18 customised for a variety of age groups and applications from educational toys for young 19 children to novelty more complex puzzles for mature age groups.

21 There is disclosed a puzzle toy. The puzzle toy comprises a block with one or more 22 mechanical actuators. The puzzle toy also comprises a base with a recess dimensioned 23 to at least partially receive the block, one or more switches and an output device. An 24 output is generated from the output device, the output being dependent on the configuration of the one or more switches. A user's aim is to locate and orientate the block 26 with the recess of the base. Advantageously the puzzle toy is cheap and simple to 27 construct. Also, the puzzle toy can produce an output before, during and after the block is 28 located within the recess of the base.

Throughout the specification, unless the context demands otherwise, the terms "comprise" 31 or "include", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", "includes" or "including' will 32 be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the 33 exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Furthermore, unless the context 34 demands otherwise, the term "or" will be interpreted as being inclusive not exclusive.

1 The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration 2 and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise 3 form disclosed. The described embodiments were chosen and described in order to best 4 explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilise the invention in various embodiments and with various 6 modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Therefore, further 7 modifications or improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of 8 the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1 Claims 3 1. A puzzle toy comprising: 4 a block comprising one or more mechanical actuators; and a base comprising: 6 a recess dimensioned to at least partially receive the block; 7 one or more switches; and 8 an output device; 9 wherein an output is generated from the output device, the output being dependent on the configuration of the one or more switches.12

2. A puzzle toy as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the block is located within the recess 13 the one or more mechanical actuators change the configuration of the one or more 14 switches.16

3. A puzzle toy as claimed in either of claim 1 or 2, wherein the puzzle toy comprises two 17 or more blocks.19

4. A puzzle toy as claimed in claim 3, wherein the recess is dimensioned to receive the two or more blocks.22

5. A puzzle toy as claimed in claim 4, wherein the recess is divided by dividing walls into 23 two or more portions, each of the two or more portions dimensioned to at least partially 24 receive one of the two or more blocks.26

6. A puzzle toy as claimed in claim 5, wherein each of the two or more portions comprise 27 a set of switches.29

7. A puzzle toy as claimed in claim 6, wherein the location of each set of switches within the respective two or more portions comprises a different location offset.32

8. A puzzle toy as claimed in any of claims 3 to 7, wherein each of the two or more blocks 33 comprises one or more mechanical actuators.1

9. A puzzle toy as claimed in claim 8, wherein the location of the one or more mechanical 2 actuators on each of the two or more blocks comprises a different location offset.4

10. A puzzle toy as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more mechanical actuators comprise notches.7

11. A puzzle toy as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the one or more mechanical 8 actuators comprise protrusions.

12. A puzzle toy as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more 11 switches comprises push buttons.13

13. A puzzle toy as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the output device may 14 be a speaker, light, vibration module, any suitable alternative and or any combination thereof.17

14. A method for producing a puzzle toy comprising: 18 providing a block comprising one or more mechanical actuators; and 19 providing a base comprising: a recess dimensioned to at least partially receive the block; 21 one or more switches; and 22 an output device; and 23 providing an output generated from the output device, the output being dependent on 24 the configuration of the one or more switches.