WO1994004235A1

WO1994004235A1 - Recreational tutorial apparatus of skill

Info

Publication number: WO1994004235A1
Application number: PCT/ES1992/000066
Authority: WO
Inventors: Francisco Guitar Camps; Francisco Josa Patermann
Original assignee: Interlander Patermann, S.L.
Priority date: 1992-08-13
Filing date: 1992-08-13
Publication date: 1994-03-03
Also published as: EP0607437A1; JPH08500749A; AU2493892A

Abstract

Recreational tutorial skill apparatus comprised of a spherical assembly (1) wherein its semi-spherical parts (4A, 4B, 4C and 4D or antagonistic parts) are capable of rotating, alternatingly and manually in both directions, in three motions determined by three planes (A, B and C) orthoganally arranged and perpendicular between each other which, respectively, displace a set of thirty balls (3) (of various colors) housed inside and circulating, in a proportionally exact amount, through three lanes or channels (60-70, 64-74 and another one), according to a similar orthogonal arrangement and which may be seen and controlled through windows or external grooves (2) of the shell or body (1) comprised of eight inverted trihedral-pyramidal fragments or modules (4), seven being similar (40) and one different or master module (41), and which are mounted and attached to a spherical core (9) equiconcentric to the general sphere (1) and on which rotate the seven similar modules (40) and to which is fixed the master module (41) acting as excentric pivot. This apparatus is intended to be used as a recreational, entertaining toy of skill and precision.

Description

DIDACTIC SKILL RECREATIONAL DEVICE

The invention refers to a recreational, didactic and skill apparatus, according to the statement, which is a toy or entertainment medium composed of a ball (spherical body) of the toys called skill with a high or difficult coefficient of execution and whose Possibility of realization or versatility of execution, is unlimited and is still to be determined and which, in any case, will be compiled in an instruction manual as it is being tested.

The toy or recreational apparatus according to the invention is composed of a ball or sphere inside which will house a set of 30 balls of equal size and different colors distributed in three channels (theoretical), sliding that coincide with the three orthogonally perpendicular planes of the sphere and that, essentially, it is possible to move, independently, in the direction of said planes and both directions of these.

According to the invention, the displacement and location of the balls can be seen through windows provided in the shell or envelope of the ball and / or even through the possible transparency of the sphere's own shell, so obviously that the balls cannot be evicted

It is the main philosophy of the invention that the half-bodies or half-sphere of the sphere (main body), can move normally in the direction rotating independently of each other, according to the three orthogonally perpendicular axes of the sphere; each of which coincides with the channels (orthogonally perpendicular) or corridors of the balls to move, according to the rotated serniesphere, the balls of the respective channel, being able in this way and alternatively, to pass or interleave or transfer the balls of a corridor to another to make combinations with the difficulty coefficient that is established, and that are visible through the windows and / or the possible transparency of the sphere.

STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE The concept of the invention is devised in terms of the cubic skill devices or toys of the "State of the Art" which have the co or foundation to combine the different parts into which they are subdivided by rotating a set of orthogonal planes and that, they are distinguished, by presenting different colors. Among the background of the "State of the

Technique "there is the so-called" articulated "die" that is mounted through multiple pieces assembled with a central core in the form of a six-arm crosshead where they link through internal spreadable parts, others that combine with the remaining ones, equipped with a square surface plane of different color and equivalent to a proportion of the plane of the dice

The version of the previous case - is an exam volume where each module or combinable piece is assembled or necessarily linked to the central module.

In another version the toy is a prismatic body with a pentagonal base of concave angles that with a similar combination and similar solution requires a coefficient of greater difficulty to move or rotate the volume planes.

Another antecedent according to the "State of the Art" is a "puzzle" sphere that consists of locating or positioning a series of equal portions into which a set of three rings that rotate in three orthogonal planes are subdivided but so that the remaining caps of the volume are fixed. The structural solution is a spherical hollow spherical body in the three positions of the rings, covered by these, and the rest of the fixed portions of the shell. The rings are subdivided into flat portions with pivots that fit into internal supports of the volume. INVENTIVE ACTIVITY

It is the main idea of the invention as set forth in the preliminary paragraphs, to develop a skill game in which, moving the hemispheres of the general volume to move a general set of loose and independent balls ⁽ 30 balls) housed inside the sphere and guided or aligned in three channels or corridors distributed in three orthogonally perpendicular positions. Another detail of the invention is that each - h -

aisle or channel is occupied by the same number of balls, successively and correlatively, without distancing from each other, that is, in tangential contact but so that at the confluence or crossing of the aisles (six crosses), one of the balls coincides It can be moved in two directions or in four directions, with the remaining eight balls of the game remaining in each channel or corridor.

Another detail of the invention is that each channel or corridor at a point along its path, preferably a point located at the same height or position of each corridor, has a preferably retractable stop, to prevent the displacement or crazy rotation of the balls, forcing that their displacement is carried out, necessarily, by moving the semi-spherical parts of the volume, alternating them as desired to redirect the balls of a certain color through one of the aisles to achieve combinations evaluated according to a pre-established difficulty coefficient, or in accordance with the possibilities that the development of the game allows.

Another aspect of the invention is that the combination of the balls is seen through oblong, oblong, elongated windows or recesses that show at least two balls, and which are provided in the shell, shell or shell of the sphere, er, the same direction of the channels or aisles of guiade of the balls, but with an opening that prevents the exit of these balls. Another feature of the invention is that the aforementioned stops that prevent the accidental displacement of the balls, are elastic stops that can be released or overcome by the balls, pressing said balls through a certain window of each passio.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In a preferred embodiment, consists invention of a volume or generally spherical body hollow, coated with a shell or ca rca sa composed of eight modules or fragments, triédri ^'co spherical pyramidal, divided into two sections, a outer and inner part; the exterior is the same in the eight fragments and the interior, seven equal and one unequal or master fragment.

Another feature of the invention is that the eight fragments or modules are mounted on an equi-concentric spherical core; the uneven fragment with a fixed character and the remaining seven with a mobile or rotational character on the core and around the uneven fixed piece that acts as an eccentric pivot.

Another characteristic of the fragments is that the outer section of the eight modules or fragments is a triangular equilateral spherical cap of carved legs in a flat arc (carpanel) and bidihedral angular vertices. and provided with an inner perpendicular axial tubular rod, with a closed base, but with a hole for entry of a screw or stud that fixes it to the inner section

Another feature is that the inner section of the seven modules or fragments is a spherical trihedral-pyramidal body, equivalent to 1/8 of the general spherical volume. It consists of three staggered and proportionally decreasing planes inwards. Each plane is a triangular spherical cap and the confluence of these planes are concave vertices. The intercombination of the 8/8 fragments match the planes of each one, delimiting the three channels or corridors for the sliding of the balls. The edges of the intermediate planes have necklines for the passage of the fittings or means of fastening the fragments to the core or facilitate their assembly and, this inner body, consists of an axial bore for assembly with the outer part of the module or fragment. The lower plane is of homologous design to the previous one, but proportional to the volume of the equi-concentric core. This plane comprises 1/8 of the spherical volume of said core but with a negative tolerance (in default) shared by the seven planes of the seven equal fragments of the set to compensate for the positive tolerance (in excess) of the unequal module or fragment.

Another characteristic of the inner section of the module or uneven fragment or master fragment, is substantially identical to that of the other seven and of equal volume except the three legs or facet of the intermediate plane that are provided with necklines central for the passage of the retention stops of the balls in each of the three orthogonal corridors of the set, presented fine blind holes, to one side and another, for said stop and the lower plane or base of the module, presents a positive tolerance (in excess) with respect to the 'bases of the other seven pieces and, each vertex, consists of incomplete vertical holes for the fittings or means of fastening the fragment to the equi-concentric core, keeping it fixed.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the stops are thin rod springs having a raised loop in the form of "omega" or similar and a fork profile whose ends (due to their elastic condition), snap into some side holes of the necklines of the legs of the master fragment, while the loop emerges through said recess partially invading the channel or corridor of the balls serving as a stop to the movement of these balls but due to their elastic condition giving way to a certain pressure on the balls, provisionally sneak away and let them pass.

In another feature of the invention, the core is a spherical body having six holes or blind holes or three diametrically through the three orthogonal positions of the channels or corridors of the balls, according to diametrically opposite distribution of each two holes for mooring or retention of the fastening means of eight modules or fragments of the set, of which three partially hold the base of the unequal fragment or master fragment and these three, and the remaining three allow the remaining seven to be held so that each one covers or holds the four convergent vertices, in each of the orthogonal points of the equi-concentric core, which is, logically, a nucleus equidistant from the body or volume of the whole sphere, and so that said fastening means do not prevent rotation on the spherical core and / or around the master fragment that acts as an eccentric pivot. By normally holding the two half-halves of the sphere corresponding to one of said orthogonal planes, it is possible to move the balls from the corresponding aisle and, thus, alternating the half-halves of any of said three planes, move the balls from one to the other to place or locate them in the position that is wanted and required according to the implantations of the game, its development, norms, difficulties, etc.

According to the invention, the fastening means that are fixed to the core are screws provided with a concave washer of appropriate diameter to simultaneously cover the four vertices of the converging bases at an orthogonal point of the core, four of the modules of the assembly. Counting in addition to said means, with an elastic crosshead between the screw head and the washer, and thus facilitate a certain suspension of the fastener so as not to press the bases of the fragments except the base of the master fragment provided with the effect of sernitaladros to keep it fixed.

A broader idea of the essential features of the invention will be carried out below by referring to the drawing sheet that is attached here, in which in a somewhat schematic way and, just by way of example, the details are represented Preferred of the invention. In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of the spherical body as a whole.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of said spherical body, inside, without the upper hemisphere.

Figure 3 is a side perspective view of the same assembly of the previous figure with representation of the equi-concentric core.

Figure 3A is a detail in front elevation of a form of assembly on the equi-concentric core and of the ball stops.

Figure 4 is a side perspective view of one of the eight caps (outer piece) of the spherical shell of the assembly. Figure 5 is a perspective view of one of the seven equal trihedral-pyramidal fragments of the set.

Figure 6 is a view similar to the previous one of the unequal or master fragment. Figure 6A is a sectioned detail po »~ line II of the previous figure, upper floor, elevation and perspective.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of an assembly with the association of the pieces of Figures 5 and 6.

Figure 8 is a view equal to the previous one with the association of the pieces of figures 5 and 7 on the equi-concentric core

Figure 9 is a side elevational view of the part of Figure 5-

Figure 10 is an exterior plan view with respect to Figure 9-

Figure 11 is an internal semi-lateral view with respect to Figure 10. Figure 12 is a sectional view along the line B-B of Figure 14.

Figure 13 is an interior plan view with respect to Figure 10.

Figure 14 is an external semi-lateral view with respect to the previous figure.

Figure 15 is a side elevational view of the assembly of Figure 7.

Figure 16 is a top half-plan view of the previous assembly. Figure 17 is a bottom plan view of the assembly of Figure 15-

Figure 18 is a profile view with respect to Figure 15.

Figure 19. eε an er view. upper plan of the assembly of figure 15 Figure 20 is a side elevational view of the assembly of Figure 8.

Figure 21 is a top half-plan view of the assembly of Figure 16. Figure 22 is a bottom plan view of the assembly of Figure 20.

Figure 23 is a profile view of the assembly of Figure 20.

Figure 24 is a top plan view of the assembly of Figure 20.

Figure 25 is an elevation view of the equi-concentric spherical core.

Figure 26 is a perspective view of the elastic stop of the balls of Figure 3A. Figure 27 is a perspective view of the fastening and / or fixing bolt of the fragments of Figures 7 and 8.

Figure 28 is a perspective view of the elastic crosshead of said fastening and / or fixing means.

Figure 29. is a perspective view of the washer of said fastening and / or fixing means.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In relation to these instructions it is evident that the set is a sphere or spherical body (1) (Fig. 1), composed or subdivided into eight triangular spherical caps of base 902 (4); that between each two caps ⁽ 4) an oblong window or groove (2) is provided. through the which is a set of balls (3) housed inside.

The windows (2) are arranged equidistant or aligned along the three orthogonally perpendicular axes of the sphere coinciding with the arrangement of the balls shown in fig. 2, referenced with A, B and C The general spherical body or sphere (1) composed of the caps (4), is integrated, by way of graphic representation, by the caps 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D in a hemisphere (Fig .1) and by caps 4A ', 4B', 4C and 4D 'in another (Fig. 2).

Each spherical cap (4) is composed of two parts, one outer (5) and one inner (40-41) (Figs. 4, 5 and 6). The outer part (5) (Fig. 4) is the same in the eight caps (4) and the inner part (40) (Fig. 6) is the same in seven of the pieces and uneven (41) (Fig. 7) in one of them, which is the master fragment. The outer parts (5) are joined by tongue and groove assembly (Figs 5 and 6A) coaxial through the tubular rod (51) of the piece (5) with the inner parts (40-41 ⁾ housing in an axial bore (66) and joining, for example, by means of a screw (53) that passes through the hole (52) of the rod (51) fixing the nut, bushing, sleeve or other (67) of the drill (66), which has access from outside through the mouth (50) of the caps ⁽ 5 ⁾ Cap 5 (Fig. 4) is 1/8 of the shell or spherical housing of the assembly (1). It is an equilateral triangle spherical cap, finished in four points (55) of double facet (56) (57) or angular tip adjustable respectively with the rest of the pieces (5) that make up the spherical body (1) while the legs or laterals are formed by concave necklines (54) in the form of a flat arc (or carpanel) that, associated two to two, form the windows or grooves (2) of the spherical body (1). The inner part (40-41) of the pieces (4) are a trihedral pyramidal prismatic body that have a head (6), (7) respectively for coupling the outer part (5) and consist of three parallel planes (61, 62, 63 and 71, 72, 73) respectively, of surfaces or areas proportionally decreasing downwards and of profile analogous to the outer spherical-triangular cap> - (5) and which, with the combination of the eight pyramidal fragments (40-41 ) corridors (60-70), (64-74) and another, orthogonally opposite to these, are formed for guiding or channeling the balls (3) according to the formation A, B and C of Figure 2.

On the edges of the intermediate plane (62-72) of the pyramidal parts ^' (0-41), they have necklines or notches (65-75) to facilitate the passage of the fastening means (Figs. 5 and 6) to a core equi-concentric (Fig. 8 ⁾ on which the spherical body rotates or rotates (1 ⁾ according to the movement of its hemispheres in the same arrangement of axes A, B and C (Fi.g. 2). The unequal or master fragment (41) (Fig. 8) is characterized in that in the intermediate plane (72) it consists of necklines (76) cut in the center of its legs for the passage of a stop (10) (Figs. 3A and 26) which is mounted in fine perforations (77) adjacent to said neckline (76) to establish elastic stops in the aisles (60-70), (64-74) and another not referenced, to limit or prevent accidental displacement or crazy displacement of the balls (3 ¹ according to its three positions A, B and C (Fig. 2).

It also differs because the lower or base lower plane (73) is slightly larger than the bases (63) of the other seven fragments (40) that have a slight negative tolerance, by default, with respect to the area of the base (73 ⁾ that , it has open vertical holes (78) in addition, in its vertices, for the passage of the fastening means (Fig. 3A, 27, 28, 29) that fix this piece (41) to the equcentric core (Fig. 3A) while the other seven are equal (401 are subject but free to rotate or rotate on the equi-concentric core ⁽ Fig. 3) and around this master fragment ⁽ 41) that acts as an eccentric pivot.

The stops (10) (Figs. 3A and 26) are springs of thin elastic rod which according to a preferred embodiment is provided with a loop raised in "omega" (11) in the center of a fork in "u" whose pins (12 ) (13) snap into the holesε (77 ⁾ adjacent to the necklines (76) through which the loops (11) pass constituted stops against the crazy sliding of the balls (3) (Fig. 3A).

The seven pyramidal and equal fragments (40) and the unequal or master fragment (41) are mounted on a spherical equi-concentric core (9) (Figs. 3, 3A, 8 and 25) of volume proportionally appropriate to the sphere as a whole (1) and for that purpose provided with six threaded or appropriately conditioned holes (90) for the fastening means (Figs. 3A, 27, 28 and 29) and arranged orthogonally (two to two) along three axes coinciding with A, B and C (Fig. 2).

The fastening means (Figs. 27, 28, 29) are composed of a set consisting of a rod (14), screw preferably provided with a washer (15) and a cushion crosshead (16) sandwiched between it and the head of (14). Each set (14,15,16) holds the four matching vertices at point (90) of the bases (63 ~ 73 'so that the three points of the base (73) are immobilized due to the holes (78) where The rods (14) and the rest of the bases (63) can rotate freely on the core (9) and around the master fragment (41).

The spherical assembly (1), assembled and assembled in the manner described on the spherical and equi-concentric core (9), allows the seven identical 'h0 <fragments to rotate on the core (9) and around the master fragment (41) what does it do eccentric pivot.

The movement is carried out externally and normally on the body of the sphere (1) so that the two spherical half-halves of said body can be rotated in blocks and in the three directions determined by the orthogonal position of the balls (3) according to the axes A, B and C of figure 2 since the independence of the eight pieces (4) composed by the association and assembly between (5 and 40) seven, and (5 and 41) one, admit the turning by combining, four to four (4A, 4B, 4C and 4D) or their antagonistic, (A ', 4B', 4C 'and 4D') of said parts in any of the three orthogonal positions A, B and C. (Fig. 2). The rotation of the hemispheres (4A, 4B, 4C and 4D or their antagonistic) move the balls (3) housed in the aisle or channel of the axis, A, B or C, respectively, seeing their movement through the windows (2 ) where they cannot escape and / or even if the body (1) of the sphere is transparent.

The combination, correlation, alternation, etc ... of said balls (3) has to be achieved by means of the ability, mathematical sense or intuition, -fastness or mobility of the user, taking them through the different corridors A, B, C, rotating the hemispheres (4A, -B, hC and 4n or antagonistic) by any of the three orthogonal axes A, B, C, in which they are arranged? the. balls and physically through the channels or corridors (60-70) (64-74 ^, and the third not referenced when left hidden in the drawings.

The elastic stops (10) located in each aisle A, B, C, on the master fragment (41) (Fig. 3A) prevent the balls (3) from turning crazy, forcing their combination to be made by handling the hemispheres ( 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D or antagonistic), but admitting that the elasticity of the loop (11) yields to a certain pressure on the balls to expressly displace them, either to establish an order of initiation of the game or to demand a certain degree of difficulty and, finally, for any other claim or function that is required exponentially or calculated.

Once the nature of the invention has been conveniently described, it is stated for the appropriate purposes that it is not limited to the exact details of this exposition, but on the contrary it will introduce the modifications: that are considered appropriate, provided that the essential characteristics thereof are altered as claimed below.

Claims

- one

one § . - Didactic skill recreational apparatus, consisting of a set that armed is a complete sphere (1) characterized in that its semi-spherical parts (4A, 4B, 4C and 4D or antagonistic) are rotatable, alternately and manually in both directions and in three specific movements by three planes (A, B, and O orthogonally arranged and perpendicular to each other that, respectively, control a set of thirty balls in a controlled manner

(3) housed inside and circulating, in exact number, by three aisles or channels, also orthogonally arranged according to said planes (A, B and C), in different colors preferably, which are seen and controlled through windows or recesses oblong (2) arranged in the shell or shell of the sphere (1) in the same planes (A, B, and C) of the aisles, composed of eight fragments (4) that mount and rotate on a spherical core (9) equicentric to the spheres (1) and having means (90) for fastening means of said fragments

(4) .

2§.- Didactic skill recreational apparatus, - in which the orthogonal corridors or channels (A, B, and O for the circulation of the balls (3) according to claim 1§) are characterized in that they consist, respectively, of an element of stop (10) integrated by an elastic, retractable organ, to avoid the crazy movement of the balls (3 ⁾ 3§.- Didactic recreational apparatus of skill, in which, the eight fragments (4) according to claim 1 §, are characterized in that they are eight fragments or trihedral-pyramidal modules, of which seven (40) are identical and one ( 41) unequal, and the first seven (40) are mobile and the unequal (41) is a fixed master module.

4§.- Didactic skill recreational apparatus, in which the seven movable fragments or modules (40), according to the preceding claim are characterized in that they rotate on the equi-concentric core (9) and around the unequal master module (41) , acting synchronously the four modules (4A, 4B, 4C and 4D or antagonistic) that integrate a hemisphere of the spherical general body (1).

5§.- A didactic skill recreational device, in which the eight fragments or modules (4) according to claims 3 and 4, are characterized by being composed of two pieces, one exterior (5) identical for all of them and another interior, seven identical (40) to each other and an unequal (41).

6§. - Didactic skill recreational apparatus, in which the equal (40) and unequal or master (41) modules according to claim 5§, respectively, are characterized in that the seven bases (63) of the first, have negative areas (by default ), with a slight reduction with respect to the area of the base (73) of the unequal module (41), which has a positive area (by excess), covering the remaining surface difference with respect to the volume of the nucleus (9).

1 ^~ \. - Didactic skill recreational apparatus, in which the outer (5) and inner (40-41) parts according to claim 5§, are characterized in that they are assembled (male 5, females 40-41) by respective axial plug of a rod (male) (51), and a drill (female) (66), provided with means, also female (67), for a fastener (screw) (53), which is accessed from the outside by a drill (50) of the outer parts (5).

8§.- Didactic recreational apparatus of skill in which, the eight outer pieces (5) or shell of the sphere (1) according to claims 5 - and 7§, are characterized in that they are spherical-triangular caps, presenting three symmetrical branches (55) finished off in double-sided angular tips (56-57), and between these, arched concave legs (54) of straight arc (carpanel) equivalent to a semi-groove or semi-window (2), and whose vault, axially, is projects the male assembly rod (51) •

9§. ~ Didactic recreational apparatus, in which the eight female pieces (40-41) of said modules (4) according to claims 3§, 4§ and 5§ are characterized in that they are composite trihedral-pyramidal bodies of three cantilever planes (61-62-63, 71-72-73) proportionally decreasing towards the base and with an arc-hyperbolic profile equivalent to 1/8 sphere according to the section they occupy in the volume

10.- Didactic skill recreational apparatus in which, the cantilever planes (61-62-63, 71-72-73) of the modules (40-41) according to claim 9-, are characterized in that they have concave convergences in the sense horizontal (6O-7O) and vertically two (64-74) in the three orthogonal projections (A, B, and C) comprising 1/8 of the channels or corridors for the sliding of the balls (3).

eleven § . - Didactic skill recreational apparatus in which, the intermediate cantilever plane (62-72) of the modules (40-41) according to claims 9§ and 10§, are characterized in that they have necklines or incoming notches (75) in the vertices of said planes, for access of the fastening means to the core (9) •

12§.- Didactic recreational apparatus of skill in which the intermediate cantilever plane (72) of the unequal or master module (41) according to claims 9-, 10§ and 11 §, are characterized in that in the legs or lateral facets it consists of cuts or openings (76) associated with female side plug means (77) for mounting and securing the elastic stop (10) for the balls (3) -

13- ~ Didactic skill recreational apparatus in which the lower cantilever plane (73) of the unequal or master module (41) according to claims 9-, 10Ξ, 11 § and 12§. It is characterized because it is equipped with vertical semi-drills or Incomplete holes (78) in each vertex for immobilization of the module (41) to the core (9).

one § . - Didactic recreational apparatus of skill in which the elastic stop (10) for the balls (3) according to claims 1 § and 12-, is characterized in that it is a metallic profile in thin rod or steel wire, preferably of general format on fork, with pins (12 and 13) for anchoring or plug-in ⁽ 77) and centrally provided with an arched and raised loop (11) that passes through the openings (76) and partially invades the aisles (60-70, 64 -74 and another) for the balls (3).

15- "Didactic skill recreational apparatus, in which the loop (11) of the elastic stop (10) according to the preceding claim is characterized in that it is retractable and yields to the pressure for the manual movement of the balls.

16§.- Didactic skill recreational apparatus, in which the equi-concentric core ( ^Q ) according to claims 1§, 4§, 11§ and 13§, is characterized in that it is a spherical body (9) provided with six holes blind, or intern two to two diametrically (90), coinciding with the three orthogonal planes (A, B, and C) of the sphere and the aisles for the balls (3) - 7 - - Didactic skill recreational apparatus, in the that the fastening means of the modules ⁽ 4) to the core (9) according to claim 1 §, is characterized by being constituted by a simple bolt or screw (14) a conical washer (15) and an elastic crosshead (16) sandwiched between it and the bolt head.