US3811683A - Cube forming disc puzzle - Google Patents

Abstract

Six dish-shaped discs have curved upstanding marginal edge portions selectively interleaved at spaced peripheral points to define a cube unit. The discs are of varying configurations, including straight angularly related edges, retaining ribs of various angles, upstanding ears, domed center portions, cutout center portions, or oblong shapes, all to vary the degree of difficulty associated with the assembly of the discs into a cube.

Description

United States Patent 1191 Street 1111 3,811,683 1451 May 21, 1974 CUBE FORMING DISC PUZZLE [76] Inventor: Frederick G. Street, 27 Jackson Ave., Bradford, Pa. 16701 [22] Filed: Dec. 7, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 311,729v

[52] US. Cl 273/157 R [51] Int. Cl. A63f 9/12 [58] Field of Search 273/156, 157R, 146;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,674,276 7/1972 Street et al 273/157 R FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 346,126 4/1931 Great Britain 273/146 10,069 1898 Great Britain 273/156 'Primary ExaminerAnton O. Oechsle Attorney, Agent, or FirmClarence A. OBrien; Harvey B. Jacobson [5 7] ABSTRACT Six dish-shaped discs have curved upstanding marginal edge portions selectively interleaved at spaced peripheral points to define a cube unit. The discs are of varying configurations, including straight angularly related edges, retaining ribs of various angles, upstanding ears, domed center portions, cutout center portions, or oblong shapes, all to vary the degree of difficulty associated with the assembly of the discs into a cube.

4 Claims, 17 Drawing Figures CUBE FORMING DISC PUZZLE The invention herein resides in the presentation of new and useful improvements on the basic invention as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,674,276, issued on July 4, 1972 for Disc Puzzle, wherein applicant was a coinventor.

More specifically, the present invention is concerned with structural variations of the basic disc puzzle whereby the degree of difficulty encountered in assembling the puzzle can be varied substantially, making the puzzle either extremely difficult or relatively easy to assemble. As such, it will be appreciated that the puzzle can in effect be adapted to amuse, entertain, provide a challenge for, or a physical manipulation training device for persons of varying skills and ability.

The improved puzzle, in each of the forms thereof, utilizes no mechanical fasteners, relying instead on a particular positioning of the six discs so as to effect an interlocked disc retaining relationship therebetween.

The discs are to be provided six to a set with the discs of each set normally being of the same structural construction and configuration. These discs can have a variety of structural features which, depending upon the particular nature thereof, either simplify or increase the difficulty of assembly of the discs into a hollow cube configuration. Among the many variations contemplated are discs with polygonal edges, discs with concentric inwardly spaced retaining projections, discs with projecting tabs, domed discs, discs with central cut-outs of varying types, and discs of oblong configuration.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a finished cube utilizing a form of disc having a polygonal edge in conjunction with an inwardly spaced edge paralleling retaining projection or ridge;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the cube of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of one of the discs of the cube of FIG. 1;

' FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a modified form of disc;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged elevational view, with a portion thereof broken away, of a cube assembled from discs of the type illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of a further form of disc;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged elevational view, with a portion broken away for purposes of illustration, of a cube assembled from discs of the type shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 illustrating a slightly modified form of disc;

FIG. 10 is an elevational view of a further form of disc having a domed central portion;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged elevational view, with portions thereof broken away, of a cube formed from discs of the type shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a further form of disc;

FIG. 13 is an elevational view, with portions broken away, of a cube assembled from discs of the type shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is yet another form of disc;

FIG. 15 is an elevational view, with portions broken away, of a cube formed utilizing discs of the type shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is another form of disc; and

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a cube formed utilizing discs of the type shown in FIG. 16.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, it should initially be noted that the method of assembling each set of six discs into a cube unit is the same as that set forth in US. Pat. No. 3,674,276, and the disclosure of that patent is incorporated herein.

Basically, the steps of assembly include placing the first disc horizontally on the middle fingers of the hand. The second disc is then placed vertically adjacent the first disc with the edge of the second disc lying against the outer surface of the edge of the first disc. The third disc is positioned similarly to the second disc in diametrically opposed relation thereto. The fourth disc is positioned vertically at right angles to the second and third discs with the lower edge of the fourth disc sitting within the edge of the first disc and with the opposed sidesof the fourth disc lying against the outer sides of the adjoining second and third discs. The fifth disc is positioned in the same manner as the fourth disc in opposed relation thereto. The sixth and final disc is horizontally positioned with opposed sides of its peripheral edge underlying the upper edge portions of the second and third discs and with the sides of the upper edge at right angles to the first mentioned sides of the sixth disc overlying the upper edge portions of the fourth and fifth discs. As noted supra, a more detailed explanation of this assembly procedure is set forth in US. Pat. No. 3,674,276.

In furtherance of the intention of the invention to vary the difficulty associated with the assembly of the puzzle, there is set forth herein various specific structural modifications in the basic disc which, through their uniqueness, directly control the difficulty associated with the assembly of the discs and hence the challenge involved.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, the disc 20 illustrated therein, in both assembled form as a six disc cube and as a single disc, is generally polygonal in shape, that is has a plurality of straight angularly related edge portions 22. While theoretically any number of straight edge portions can be provided, sixteen of these edge portions is probably the practical maximum and eight such edge portions is preferred. In providing eight such edge portions, as will be noted from FIGS. 1, 2 and 3,

flat or straight seating portions will be provided for each of the assembled discs at the points peripherally thereabout which engage the adjoining discs.

The central portion 24 of the disc is solid and flat or planar. This central portion 24, noting FIG. 3 in particular, is inwardly offset from the peripheral edge with the peripheral edge, including each of the straight edge portions 22, being transversely arcuate to provide a generally cupped or dished configuration. The inwardly offset central portion 24 underlies the inner portion of .the transversely arcuate peripheral edge and is integrally connected therewith by a partition 26 which acts so as to define a pair of acute or re-entrant angles 28 and 30. As will be subsequently noted, such acute angle abutments can be used on other forms of discs, regardless of the peripheral configurations thereof.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, it will be noted that the edges of the discs 20, upon assembly, are snugly nested within each other, sitting conveniently within the formed acute angles 28, thereby providing a high degree of stability in conjunction with substantial ease of assembly. It should be appreciated that, in varying the difficulty of assembly, any type of edge engaging abutment can be provided. Noting for example FIG. 8, the angle of the partition 46 between the peripheral edge and central portion or panel 42 can be varied so as to change the nature of the edge receiving angle and hence vary the degree of difficulty associated with the assembly of the discs 20. Further, a simple ridge, as suggested in FIG. 9 can also be used.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate another form of disc 32, both assembled and disassembled, wherein a circular configuration is provided. The central portion 34 of the disc 32 is flat with the peripheral edge 36 arcuately curving away from the central portion 34 to one side thereof as a smooth continuation of the central portion. A plurality of laterally projecting tabs 38 are formed at circumferentially spaced points about the central portion or panel 34 so as to project toward the same side of the disc 32 as the arcuate peripheral edge 36. These tabs or tongues are located at approximately the outer periphery of the central portion 34, that is along the imaginary dividing line between the central portion 34 and the arcuately turned edge 36. In this manner, the tabs 38 act as an abutment for the edges of the adjoining discs 32 during the assembly of the discs 32 into a cube unit as shown in FIG. 6. The angle of projection of the tabs 38, as well as the height and width thereof, can of course be varied. As will be appreciated, this form of disc 32 will also be relatively easy to assemble due to the positive stabilizing abutments provided by the projecting tabs 38.

The form of FIGS. 7 and 8 shows a circular disc 40 which is in effect a circular variation of the polygonal disc of FIGS. 1-4. In other words, the disc 40 also includes a fiat recessed central portion 42 which is integrally formed with the peripheral arcuate edge 44 by an angularly orientated panel or partition 46. The angular direction of the partition 46 can of course be varied, however, in this form of the invention, so as to increase the difficulty thereof, it is contemplated that the edge seating angle 48 formed between the partition 46 and the arcuate edge 44 be of slightly greater than 90 degrees. This angular arrangement, in conjunction with the circular rather than polygonal edge will result in a more difficult assembly procedure than that associated with the form of FIGS. l-4.

FIG. 9 illustrates another variation wherein a groove, and corresponding inwardly projecting rib 50 are provided peripherally about the circular disc 52 between the transversely arcuate edge 54 and the central portion or panel 56. In this manner, an abutment is also provided for facilitating a seating of the edges of the adjoining discs 52 during the assembly operation. The depth of the ridge or rib 50 can of course be varied, as well as the angular orientation thereof so as to effect the assembly challenge. If so desired, the central panel 56 can be raised or recessed.

The form of disc 58 illustrated in FIGS. and 11 is, by its construction, extremely difficult to assemble. This difficulty arises primarily from the fact that the central portion 60 of the disc 58 is domed with this domed central portion 60 continuing smoothly and directly into the arcuate peripheral edge 62 which differs from the domed central portion only in that it curves more sharply. With this configuration, it will be appreciated that no abutments, stabilizing ribs, or the like are provided so as to assist in retaining and properly positioning the discs 58. Thus the person assembling the discs into the cube unit must utilize a substantial degree of manual dexterity, patience and skill in arriving at the assembled unit, thus presenting a substantial challenge.

The disc 64 of FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrates, utilizing a basic disc configuration including a flat central panel or portion 66 and an arcuate peripheral edge 68, the concept of increasing the difficulty of assembly by forming the disc 64 so as to be slightly elliptical in shape. In other words, the vertical diameter of the disc of FIG. 12 is of a greater length than the horizontal diameter, it being contemplated that this difference be approximately l/l6 inch. The discs so constructed will assemble, however, difficulties will be encountered and a proper orientation of the discs will be required, thus further increasing the challenge of the puzzle.

FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a circular disc 70 which consists solely of the transversely arcuate peripheral edge, thus forming in effect a ring. The central portion of the disc 70 is devoid of material. As such, it will also be appreciated that difficulties will be encountered in properly handling, manipulating and assembling the discs 70, notwithstanding the fact that successful assembly can in fact be achieved following the basic manipulative steps referred to supra.

The discs 72 of FIGS. 16 and 17 are intended to illustrate the concept of increasing the difficulty of the basic disc by the provision of a series of cutouts 74 within the central portion 76 with these cutouts 74 extending inwardly from the juncture between the central portion or panel 76 and the transversely arcuate edge 78. In order to avoid the retained portions of the central panel 76 aligning with the edges of the four discs which are to align and interengage with each disc, it is contemplated that more than four cutouts 74 be provided. There can be, as desired, either an even number of cutouts or an odd number of cutouts.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the invention herein relates to substantial improvements directed to varying the challenge associated with assembling disc puzzles of the type wherein six discs are interengaged, without mechanical fasteners, so as to define a cube unit. The modifications presented herein are all within the realm of conventional manufacturing practices and are considered unique in both their basic simplicity and the practical results obtained.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. For use in the formation of a disassemblable closed unit, a plurality of plate-like discs, each disc including a central portion and a continuous laterally curved peripheral edge portion interleavable at spaced points therearound with several of the remaining discs, said central portion is flat and laterally offset out of the plane defined by the inner periphery of the edge portion, and a continuous integral partition formed between the inner periphery of the edge portion and the outer periphery of the laterally offset flat central portion, said partition forming an acute angle with the peripheral edge portion.

2. The construction of claim 1 wherein said edge portion is polygonal, defined by a plurality of angularly related straight edge sections.

3. For use in the formation of a disassemblable closed unit, a plurality of plate-like discs, each disc including edge sections are provided.

Claims (4)

1. For use in the formation of a disassemblable closed unit, a plurality of plate-like discs, each disc including a central portion and a continuous laterally curved peripheral edge portion interleavable at spaced points therearound with several of the remaining discs, said central portion is flat and laterally offset out of the plane defined by the inner periphery of the edge portion, and a continuous integral partition formed between the inner periphery of the edge portion and the outer periphery of the laterally offset flat central portion, said partition forming an acute angle with the peripheral edge portion.

2. The construction of claim 1 wherein said edge portion is polygonal, defined by a plurality of angularly related straight edge sections.

3. For use in the formation of a disassemblable closed unit, a plurality of plate-like discs, each disc including a central portion and a continuous laterally curved peripheral edge portion interleavable at spaced points therearound with several of the remaining discs, said central portion is flat and laterally offset out of the plane defined by the inner periphery of the edge portion, and a continuous integral partition formed between the inner periphery of the edge portion and the outer periphery of the laterally offset flat central portion, said edge portion being polygonal, defined by a plurality of angularly related straight edge sections.

4. The construction of claim 3 wherein eight straight edge sections are provided.

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