US3689074A

US3689074A - Marble labyrinth puzzle

Info

Publication number: US3689074A
Application number: US119694A
Authority: US
Inventors: Richard Benton; Michael Gonzeles
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1971-03-01
Filing date: 1971-03-01
Publication date: 1972-09-05
Anticipated expiration: 1989-09-05

Abstract

A labyrinth puzzle provided with a single inlet designed to receive and retain a marble. The labyrinth includes at least one T-shaped passage formed by first and second channels, the second channel intercepting the first channel intermediately. The first channel forms the arms of the T, one arm being provided with a throwing station and the other arm having a trap at its end. The second channel or leg portion of the T defines at its end the marble destination. The marble in the labyrinth is thrown from the throwing station to the destination to release the marble from the labyrinth. In a preferred embodiment, two T-shaped passages are overlapped, a common channel functioning as the leg portion of the first T-shaped passage and the arms of the second T-shaped passage. In this manner, the destination of the first Tshaped passage becomes the throwing station of the second Tshaped passage, thereby requiring two successive throws of the marble to release it from the labyrinth.

Description

United States Patent Benton et al.

[ 1 Sept. 5, 1972 [54] MARBLE LABYRINTH PUZZLE [72] Inventors: Richard Benton, Santa Rosa; Michael Gonzeles, Sebastopol, both of Calif.

[73] Assignee: Leland Dibble, Jr., Santa Rosa,

Calif.

[22] Filed: March 1, 1971 [21] Appl. No; 119,694

[52] US. Cl ..273/153 R, 144/325, 273/113 [51] Int. Cl. ..A63f 7/04 [58] Field of Search ..273/109,ll1,113,114,115, 273/116, 117, 153 R [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 403,012 5/1889 Washbum ..273/109 507,667 10/1893 Taylor ..273/109 600,696 3/1898 Patterson ..273/1 13 680,434 8/1901 Lyle ..273/153 1,021,281 3/1912 Vessels ..273/153 R 2,318,793 5/1943 Pait ..273/109 2,509,340 5/1950 Fly ..273/109 2,553,913 5/1951 Gleasman ..273/109 3,135,512 6/1964 Taylor ..273/109 3,218,754 1l/1965 Hunter ..46/2 3,406,971 10/ l 968 Koff ..273/ 109 839,733 12/1906 Davenport ..273/156 Primary ExaminerAnton O. Oechsle Att0meyTownsend and Townsend [57] ABSTRACT A labyrinth puzzle provided with a single inlet designed to receive and retain a marble. The labyrinth includes at least one T-shaped passage formed by first and second channels, the second channel intercepting the first channel intermediately. The first channel forms the arms of the T, one arm being provided with a throwing station and the other arm having a trap at its end. The second channel or leg portion of the T defines at its end the marble destination. The marble in the labyrinth is thrown from the throwing station to the destination torelease the marble from the labyrinth. In a preferred embodiment, two T-shaped passages are overlapped, a common channel functioning as the leg portion of the first T-shaped passage and the arms of the second T-shaped passage. In this manner, the destination of the first T-shaped passage becomes the throwing station of the second T-shaped passage, thereby requiring two successive throws of the marble to release it from the labyrinth.

11 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures Patented 'Sept. 5, 1972 Y FIG.;6

I N VEN TORS RICHARD BENTON MICHAEL GONZALES ATTORNEYS MARBLE LABYRINTI-I PUZZLE This invention relates to a self-amusement puzzle, and more particularly, to a labyrinth having a single entrance into which a marble is placed and subsequently retrieved by a nonobvious throwing movement of the puzzle.

Labyrinth puzzles for receiving marbles have heretofore typically been constructed in sections, and thereafter glued together or otherwise assembled to make the finished puzzle. Such procedures are unfortunately time-consuming and require precision manufacturing techniques, thereby unduly increasing production costs of the puzzle.

It is thus an object of the present invention to reduce the foregoing production limitations by providing a labyrinth puzzle having a T-shaped passage for receiving and retaining a marble. Such a labyrinth puzzle may readily be constructed by boring channels into an opaque block, which intersect to form the T-shaped passage. All but one of the openings in the block may then be plugged to provide a single opening to receive and exit the marble. Typically, the opening communicates with the leg portion of the T-shaped passage. A throwing station is defined at the end of one of the arms of the T. The other arm of the T is provided with a trap, so that in the solution of the puzzle, only one precise throwing motion can dislodge the marble from the labyrinth.

A labyrinth puzzle having such a T-shaped passage is advantageous in that it can be formed by drilling into an opaque block of material, such as hardwood, along a plurality of straight line paths. Accordingly, fabrication of the puzzle in discrete sections is not required. Furthermore, mere rotational movement of the puzzle, whether inadvertent or intentional, will not dislodge the marble from the labyrinth, since the motion for dislodging the marble from the puzzle is not obvious and requires skill and patience to solve.

Another object of the present invention is to provide specific size relationships between the passages and traps of the labyrinth, in which the passages are slightly larger than the marble and the traps are substantially larger than the marble.

This passage-to-trap relationship is advantageous in that the position of a marble in a trap can be perceived by oscillating the puzzle and observing the sound and vibration produced thereby.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a labyrinth puzzle having at least two overlapping T-shaped passages, so that two discrete throwing motions are required to successfully dislodge the marble from the labyrinth.

An advantage of this overlapping T-shaped passage construction is that inadvertent solution of the puzzle without truly understanding the throwing motion necessary to solve the puzzle is reduced to a near impossibility.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a labyrinth puzzle according to the present invention held in a human hand, the hand being illustrated in phantom;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation section taken along the lines 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an end section taken along the lines 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a reduced side elevation section illustrating the marble in the labyrinth at the throwing station of the first T-shaped passage;

FIG. 5 is a cartoon series illustrating the movement of the marble from its throwing station position illustrated in FIG. 4 to its destination illustrated in solid lines; and

FIG. 6 is a cartoon series illustrating the movement of the marble from the throwing station of the second T-shaped passage to the destination which exits the marble from the labyrinth.

Referring now to the drawing, with particular reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, there is provided a labyrinth puzzle, shown generally at 10, according to the present invention. Labyrinth puzzle 10 comprises an opaque rectangular block having substantially square side surfaces 12 and rectangular top 14, bottom 16 and

sides

18 and 20. Formed within puzzle 10 are three traps interconnected by two overlapping T- shaped passages. A single entrance adapted to receive a marble A or other spherical object, such as a ball bearing, is provided in communication with the passages, so as to permit the marble to enter the passages and traps, the object of the puzzle being to exit the marble from the labyrinth.

Specifically, a cylindrical bore or channel 22 is provided through top 14 toward end 18. Channel 22 is substantially perpendicular to top 14 and extends downwardly into the puzzle 10 to a depth substantially corresponding to two-fifths of the height of the puzzle. The diameter of channel 22 is substantially larger than the diameter of the marble A employed with the puzzle, so that channel 22 will form a trap, as will be described in greater detail hereinafter. A cylindrical channel or bore 24 is provided concentric with channel 22, channel 24 extending downwardly to a depth of approximately four-fifths of the height of puzzle 10. Channel 24 is of a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of marble A, and will form a portion of the passages to be described hereinafter. A cylindrical bore or channel 26 is provided substantially through the center of top 14, extending downwardly into puzzle 10 to a depth of approximately one-half the height of the puzzle. Channel 26 has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of channel 24, and forms the entrance portion of the puzzle passages.

Another cylindrical bore or channel 28, substantially identical to channel 22, is provided at the other end of top 14. Concentric with channel 28 is a channel 30 extending downwardly from channel 28 to a depth of approximately one-half the puzzle height.

Channels

28 and 30 respectively form a trap and a portion of the passages, in a manner similar to

channels

22 and 24.

Still another cylindrical channel or bore 32 is provided substantially through the center of side 20, extending into puzzle 10 towards side 18. Channel 32 has a depth of approximately four-fifths of the width of the puzzle, so as to intersect the ends of

channels

26 and 30, and terminate at an intersection intermediate channel 24. Once again, channel 32 forms a portion of the puzzle passages, and is thus of similar diameter to

channels

24, 26 and 30.

Yet another pair of concentric bores or channels are provided through side 20. Specifically, a cylindrical bore or channel 34 is provided through the end of side 20 adjacent bottom 16. Channel 34 extends into puzzle to a depth of two-fifths the width of the puzzle, and is of similar diameter to

channel

22 and 28, to form another trap. Concentric with bore 34 is another bore 36 extending into puzzle 10 to a depth of approximately four-fifths of the puzzle width to terminate at an intersection with the end .of channel 24. Bore 36 forms still another portion of the labyrinth passages and is thus of similar diameter to

channels

24, 26, 30 and 32.

Four

cylindrical plugs

38, 40, 42 and 44 of suitable diameters are disposed in the external ends of

channels

22, 28, 32, and 34, respectively. The openings of these channels are thus closed to provide. a single opening, namely channel 26, for receiving and exiting the marble A.

The channels and plugs thus described cooperate to form passages and traps of the labyrinth puzzle according to the present invention. In particular, channel 22 and plug 38 form a trap or cavity adapted to temporarily retain the marble A, should the marble A enter channel 22 from channel 24, due to the disparity in diameters between

channels

22 and 24. Upon entering trap 22, the marble A will move freely therein, and will tend to remain therein due 'to the relatively small exit therefrom provided by channel 24. Of course, by suitable manual manipulation of the puzzle 10, marble A may be exited from trap 22 via channel 24, as would be required in the course of the solution of the puzzle.

Channel 28 and plug 40 and channel 34 and plug 44 similarly cooperate to form two additional traps having entrances via

channels

30 and 36, respectively. Thus, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, three

traps

22, 28 and 34 are provided for retaining the marble A.

The remaining channels described hereinbefore cooperate to form two overlapping T-shaped passages. Referring particularly to FIGS. 2 and 5,

channels

24 and 32 cooperate to form a first T-shaped passage B (indicated in dashed line in FIG. 5). Channel 24 may be regarded as the arms of T-shaped passage B, channel 32 being the leg portion thereof. The end of one of the arms of T-shaped passage B may be regarded as a throwing station for marble A. Specifically, the intersection of

channels

24 and 36 functions as a first throwing station, shown generally at 48. The end of the leg portion of passage B functions as the destination for marble A. Specifically, the intersection of channel 32 and plug 42 functions as a destination, shown generally at 50. As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, marble A must be translated from first receiving station 48 to destination 50 in the course of the solution of the puzzle. However, traps 22, 28 and 34 communicate with passage B via

channels

24, 30 and 36, respectively. Thus, in attempting the solution of the puzzle, it is quite possible, if not probable, that marble A will enter one of the

traps

22, 28 or 34, rather than accomplishing the desired translation.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 6,

channels

26 and 32 cooperate to form a second T-shaped passage C (indicated in dashed line in F IG; 6). Specifically, channel 32 functions as the arms of T-shaped passage C, while channel 26 functions as the leg portion thereof. Note that channel 32 functions as both the arms of passage C and the leg portion of passage B, thus illustrating the overlapping of the two T-shaped passages referred to hereinbefore.

As is apparent from FIG. 2, destination 50 is located at the end of one of the arms of T-shaped passage C, and functions as the throwing station for that passage, as described with respect to throwing station 48 and T- shaped passage B. The destination of the T-shaped passage C is similarly located at the end of the leg portion thereof, and thus comprises the opening at the end of channel 26. Thus, in the solution of the puzzle, it is desired to translate the marble from destination 50 to the opening at the end of channel 26, in order to exit the marble from the labyrinth. Note, however, that traps 22, 28 and 34 communicate with passage C via

channels

24, 30 and 36, respectively. Thus, it is possible that in attempting this translation, marble A may instead enter one of the

traps

22, 28 or 34, thereby making such translation difficult, which, in turn, contributes to the complexity of the puzzle and the enjoyment derived therefrom.

Referring to FIG. 2, a dowel or rod 46 of a diameter smaller than channel 26 may be provided to form a storage device for marble A. Specifically, dowel 46 may be inserted into channel 26 in order to prevent marble A from entering the labyrinth. Dowel 26 may be of suitable length to form a marble-retaining cavity within channel 26, suitable for the storage of marble A, out of harms way. Of course, dowel 46 may be omitted, and marble A may be stored within the labyrinth. However, applicant has found it desirable to store and transport marble -A outside of the labyrinth, in order to permit the operator of the puzzle to personally insert the marble into the labyrinth. By so doing, the operator is assured that ultimate dislodgment of the marble from the labyrinth is possible, thereby contributing to his motivation to'play with the puzzle, and thus derive enjoyment therefrom.

The construction of labyrinth puzzle 10 thus described is advantageous in that it can be formed by drilling into an opaque block of material along a plurality of straight line paths, perpendicular to the surface of the block. Referring specifically to FIG. 3, bores or

channels

22 and 24 may be formed by drilling into block 10 at the appropriate location with a dual diameter drill, the drill having a smaller diameter portion of a suitable length to form channel 24 and a concentric larger diameter portion of suitable length to form channel 22. Of course, two individual drills may be used successively if a dual diameter drill is unavailable. The remaining channels may be formed in a similar manner, either concurrently or successively, depending upon the sophistication of the drilling apparatus available, and the degree of automation desired. Thereafter, plugs 38, 40, 42 and 44 are force-fit, glued or otherwise fixedly inserted into

channels

22, 28, 32 and 34, respectively, to form the desired traps and passages. The undesired openings in block 10 will thus be closed, leaving an apparently solid opaque block having a single inlet designed to receive a marble communicating with internal traps and passages as described hereinbefore.

Of course, the labyrinth puzzle according to the present invention may alternatively be formed by constructing a mold therefor, and thereafter molding the puzzle from a solid material in a liquid or plastic state.

In operation, marble A and dowel 46 are removed from their shipping positions (illustrated in FIG. 2), and marble A is inserted into the entrance defined by channel 26. Due to the action of gravity, in combination with rotational or vibrational motion imparted to the puzzle by the operator, marble A will assume a random position within the network of passages and traps defined within the puzzle. Due to the disparity in diameters between the traps and the passages, as described hereinbefore, marble A will tend to reside in one of the

traps

22, 28 or 34. Rotational movement of the puzzle, whether inadvertent or intentional, if initially successful in dislodging marble A from the trap will most probably result in moving the marble A to another of the

traps

22, 28 or 34, unless the requisite procedures now to be described are employed. In this manner, the puzzle will provide amusement and recreation and will require skill and patience to dislodge the marble therefrom.

In order to successfully dislodge the marble from the labyrinth, the puzzle is initially oriented as depicted in FIG. 4. Vibration of the puzzle will dislodge marble A from the traps and, due to the action of gravity, marble A will assume the first throwing position 48, as indicated in FIG. 4. That marble A is in the requisite throwing position 58 may be verified by gently oscillating the puzzle 10. If marble A resides within one of the

traps

22, 28 or 34, a discernable vibration will both be heard and felt, since the traps are substantially larger than the marble. If, however, marble A has assumed throwing position 48, little or no vibration will be observed, since the passages are only slightly larger than the marble. It is preferable, of course, that marble A be formed of a hard material, such as glass or steel, so that the vibration of the marble within the traps will produce substantial audible and tactile phenomena.

After verifying the fact that marble A is in throwing position 48, puzzle is rotated with a slight throwing motion as indicated in FIG. 5, so asto cause marble A to be thrown to destination 50. This operation requires skill and patience, since it is necessary to impart a throwing motion to marble A in order to prevent marble A from rolling into trap 34. Contrarily, the imparting of too much momentum to marble A will cause marble A to be thrown into trap 22. The fact that marble A has assumed destination position 50 may be verified by oscillating the puzzle, substantially as described hereinbefore.

After having verified that marble A has assumed destination position 50, the puzzle 10 is then rotated with a similar throwing motion, so as to cause marble A to be thrown into channel 26, from which it exits the puzzle. Once again, care and patience must be exercised to prevent marble A from falling into trap 28 or from being thrown into trap 22. If either of these contingencies should occur, it is possible that the entire procedures described herein may have to be repeated, depending upon the skill and acuity of the operator.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that the dislodgment of marble A from the puzzle requires skill and patience, as well as an understanding of the motion necessary to translate the marble along the T-shaped passages defined within the puzzle. Accordingly, the

possibility of inadvertent solution of the puzzle is negligable, thus contributing to the amusement and satisfaction achieved by successfully dislodging the marble from the puzzle.

While the puzzle 10 according to the present invention has been described as being opaque, it could, of course, be formed in a block of transparent material. Furthermore, the traps and passages therein need not be cylindrical, as described herein, but may have any desired cross-sectional shape.

Thus, while a particular embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described in detail, it is apparent that adaptations and modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention, as set forth in the claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A labyrinth puzzle for receiving and retaining a marble comprising:

first and second linear intersecting channels, sai

channels having a dimension permitting movement of said marble therein, said first channel communicating to the exterior of said puzzle at one end to form the sole entrance and exit for said marble and at the other end intersecting said second channel intermediately, a throwing station defined at one end of said second channel for imparting momentum to said marble when a throwing motion is imparted to said puzzle, and first and second traps communicating with the ends of said second channel, said first and second traps intersecting said second channel at accesses parallel to the access of the first channel to its intersection with said second channel.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a third linear channel, said third channel being substantially coplanar with said first and second channel and intermediately intersected by said second channel, said third channel defining at one end a throwing station and third and forth traps communicating with said ends of said third channel.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said channels are defined in a single block of material.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said block of material is opaque.

5. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said channels are cylindrical.

6. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said traps have a dimension substantially larger than said marble.

7. A labyrinth puzzle for receiving and retaining a marble comprising: a T-shaped passage having first and second linear and intersecting passages, said passages having a dimension permitting movement of said marble, the leg portion of said passage communicating with the exterior of said puzzle to form the sole entrance and exit for said marble, the end of one arm of said passage defining a throwing station for imparting momentum to said marble when a throwing motion is imparted to said puzzle and first and second traps communicating with the ends of the arms of said passage along accesses parallel to the access of the first passage to the intersection of the leg portion of said T-shaped passage with the arm portion of said T-shaped passage.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7 further comprising a second T-shaped passage substantially coplanar with and overlapping said first T-shaped passage, the arms passages are defined in a single block of opaque materia].

.10. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said passages are cylindrical.

11. Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said traps have a dimension substantially greater than the diameter of said marble.

Claims

1. A labyrinth puzzle for receiving and retaining a marble comprising: first and second linear intersecting channels, said channels having a dimension permitting movement of said marble therein, said first channel communicating to the exterior of said puzzle at one end to form the sole entrance and exit for said marble and at the other end intersecting said second channel intermediately, a throwing station defined at one end of said second channel for imparting momentum to said marble when a throwing motion is imparted to said puzzle, and first and seconD traps communicating with the ends of said second channel, said first and second traps intersecting said second channel at accesses parallel to the access of the first channel to its intersection with said second channel.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said block of material is opaque.

5. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said channels are cylindrical.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7 further comprising a second T-shaped passage substantially coplanar with and overlapping said first T-shaped passage, the arms of said first T-shaped passage being common with the leg portion of said second T-shaped passage, a throwing station defined at the end of one of the arms of said second T-shaped passage for imparting momentum to said marble when a throwing motion is imparted to said puzzle and a third trap communicating with the end of said one arm of said second passage.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said passages are defined in a single block of opaque material.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said passages are cylindrical.