WO2012038777A1

WO2012038777A1 - Apparatus for game, constructional or like use

Info

Publication number: WO2012038777A1
Application number: PCT/IB2010/054272
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Douglas Eadon
Original assignee: James Douglas Eadon
Priority date: 2010-09-21
Filing date: 2010-09-21
Publication date: 2012-03-29

Abstract

Apparatus for game, constructional or like use, comprises a polyhedral shape 10 and a plurality of fastening members 12, said shape 10 having at least two faces 14, 16 each provided with a two-dimensional array of fastening means 18, 20 (e.g. press- stud or micro-hook and eye) and being indivisible in that it is not adapted to subdivide into polyhedral shapes, each said member 12 having first 22 and second 24 engagement means separated by a cover portion 26, such that the member 12 can be fastened to a said face 14 by said first engagement means 22 engaging with a said fastening means 18, with said cover portion 26 then covering part of that face 14. Said shape 10 is hollow, to form a container 10 with one 141 face hinged to the remainder of the shape 10 as a lid 141. The apparatus may be a game including rules for one or more players to place said members 12 in engagement as aforesaid on a said face l4so as to cover the face 14 (at least partially) when engaging its fastening means 18. The apparatus may comprise a plurality of said shapes 10 (11, 111, 112, 113) adapted to be formed into a structure in which two of said shapes 10 are held together by one or more of said members 12 with its first engagement means 22 engaging a said fastening means 18 of one of said two shapes 10 and its second engagement means 24 engaging a said fastening means 18 of the other of said two shapes 10.

Description

Title of Invention: APPARATUS FOR GAME, CONSTRUCTIONAL OR LIKE USE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[1] This invention relates to apparatus for game, constructional or like use. Possible applications are:

1. Puzzle

2. Game

3. Toy

4. Construction kit

BACKGROUND

[2] Previous puzzles required complex thinking.

THE INVENTION

[3] The invention consists in apparatus as claimed in claim 1.

[4] Embodiments of the invention may have any one or more of the following further features:

1. in which at least two fastening means of a said array are provided in the face that is provided with that array.

2. in which said two faces are adapted to be adjacent one another.

3. in which said two faces are adapted to be angled to one another.

4. said shape having a recess around each said fastening means suitable to

receive a said cover portion.

5. said shape having a recess around each said fastening means suitable to

receive a said cover portion to cover substantially the whole of a said recess.

6. said recesses together covering at least 50% of a said face.

7. said recesses together covering at least 75% of a said face.

8. said recesses together covering at least 90% of a said face.

9. said recesses together covering substantially 75% of a said face.

10. said recesses together covering substantially the whole of a said face.

11. said shape having two substantially parallel faces and having faces interconnecting these parallel faces and provided with said fastening means.

12. each of said interconnecting faces having only a single row of said fastening means, this row being substantially parallel to said parallel faces.

13. said shape being hollow.

14. said shape having the form of a container.

15. said shape having a face hinged to the remainder of the shape. said shape having a face hinged to the remainder of the shape to form a lid of the container.

in which all the faces of the shape are hinged together whereby the shape can be opened out into a two-dimensional net.

in which said shape is in an opened out form.

in which said all the faces are adapted (e.g. with the aid of an integral fastening) to fasten together at non-hinged edges.

in which said all the faces are adapted, e.g. with the aid of an integral fastening, to fasten together at non-hinged edges and are adapted not to be able to be unfastened at hinged edges.

in which said fastening means are adapted for press-stud fastening.

in which said fastening means are adapted for micro-hook and eye (e.g.

Velcro, a trade name) fastening.

in which said fastening members are adapted for press-stud fastening.

in which said fastening members are adapted for micro-hook and eye fastening.

in which said second engagement means comprise handle means suitable for engagement with (to be engaged by) a hand.

in which said first engagement means comprise means adapted for press-stud engagement with said fastening means.

in which said first engagement means comprise means adapted for micro- hook and eye engagement with said fastening means.

in which said first and second engagement means of a said member are of the same kind, e.g. both press-stud or both micro-hook and eye.

in which said first and second engagement means of a said member are of identical form.

in which said cover portion is sheet-like.

in which there is a first plurality of different colours and/or tactile forms and/ or combinations of such colours and/or tactile forms and each one of this plurality is applied to a plurality of said members.

in which said cover portion of a said member is of sheet-like form and said colour or tactile form or combination is applied to one surface thereof.

in which the same colour or tactile form or combination is applied also to the other surface of said sheet-like cover portion.

in which a different colour or tactile form or combination is applied to the other surface of said sheet-like cover portion.

in the form of game including rules as to how one or more players is/are to place said members in engagement as aforesaid on a said face so as to cover the face (at least partially) when in fastening engagement with the fastening means thereof.

36. adapted for said rules to provide for said members to be placed as aforesaid successively.

37. adapted for said rules to provide for a said member placed as aforesaid to be replaced by another said member placed as aforesaid.

38. comprising a plurality of said shapes.

39. adapted to be formed into a structure comprising a plurality of said shapes, in which two of said shapes (in practice, adjacent said shapes) are held together (i.e. held to each other) by one or more of said members with its first engagement means engaging a said fastening means of one of said two shapes and its second engagement means engaging a said fastening means of the other of said two shapes.

40. in which said two shapes are adapted to be held together by at least two of said members.

[5] In an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a polyhedral shape adapted for use as the said polyhedral shape of apparatus as mentioned above, that is indivisible in that it is not adapted to subdivide into polyhedral shapes, and having at least two faces, each provided with at least two press-stud fastening means in the face such that said members can fasten to said fastening means so as to be exposed only at that face.

[6] In an embodiment of the invention there is provided a polyhedral shape adapted for use as the said polyhedral shape of apparatus as mentioned above, that is indivisible in that it is not adapted to subdivide into polyhedral shapes, and having at least two faces, each provided with at least two micro-hook and eye fastening means in the face such that said members can fasten to said fastening means so as to be exposed only at that face.

[7] - In either case, said shape may have a recess around each said fastening means.

[8] In an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a fastening member adapted for use as the said fastening member of apparatus as mentioned above, said member having first and second engagement means separated by a sheet- like cover portion.

[9] Embodiments of the invention may have any one or more of the following further features:

1. in which said first engagement means comprise means adapted for press-stud engagement.

2. in which said second engagement means comprise means adapted for press- stud engagement.

3. in which said first engagement means comprise means adapted for micro- hook and eye engagement. 4. in which said second engagement means comprise means adapted for micro- hook and eye engagement.

5. in which said second engagement means comprise handle means suitable for engagement with a hand.

Another aspect of the invention consists in a method of playing a game in which there is used apparatus as mentioned above.

Another aspect of the invention consists in a method of construction in which there is used apparatus as mentioned above.

Another aspect of the invention consists in an article constructed using such a method.

For simplicity of manufacture, strength and stability, in preferred embodiments of the invention, there is provided an elementary polyhedral block, i.e. a block not adapted to subdivide into polyhedra. Each face is of sheet-like form, preferably monolithic. More preferably, there is provided a polyhedral shape, that is indivisible (or elemental) in that it is not adapted to subdivide into polyhedra, having at least two adjacent faces that are substantially flat and angled to one another, each said face having at least two fastening means in the face and being constructed and arranged so that suitable cooperating means can fasten to the fastening means so as to be exposed only at that face. Such apparatus can be simple, i.e. not complicated in requiring the user to think three- dimensionally; and more of a game in that players can concentrate more on positioning their pieces relative to each other player's pieces rather than absolute spatial positioning. Such apparatus can be simple and can be used in a wide variety of simple ways. Known puzzles usually involve quite complex thinking.

Embodiments of the invention may have any one or more of the following further features:

1. a two-way or double-ended fastener with a cover portion adapted to cover at least part of the face.

2. handle.

3. crenellations, i.e. teeth or notches to interengage at adjacent edges of the

block.

4. rounded edges to facilitate hinging.

5. engagement means being handle, fastener and/or Velcro.

6. apparatus for game, constructional or like use, e.g. puzzle, toy, prototyping, modelling.

7. for two shapes to engage substantially face to face.

8. push-fit engagement of pegs or caps (said members). (Throughout this description and claims, although the term 'peg' is used, this includes reference to a stud-fastening where the context will allow.) positive engagement (not simply frictional), e.g. Velcro, press-stud or other, with resilient micro-means for (e.g. releasable) restraint. The edge of the hole may be resilient and/or the peg that fits into the hole may be resilient so that there can be press-stud action of engagement therebetween, normally or usually this will be releasable engagement.

an elemental (primary, simple, fundamental and/or basic) building block. a polyhedral block (at least in overall shape) having at least two adjacent faces that are substantially flat (and angled to one another) each said face having at least two fastening means in the face, constructed and arranged so that suitable cooperating (cover) means can be fastened at the fastening means so as to be exposed only at that face.

a shallow recess around each said fastening means.

each said fastening means is suitable for a press-stud fastening action.

each said fastening means comprises a hole let into the material of the face. said hole has a diameter less than half the diameter of the surrounding recess. each said hole is bounded by material comprising resilient material.

part or all of the bounding material is resilient.

such that suitable said cooperating means can be fastened at the fastening means so as to prevent mutual twisting therebetween.

the shape is made up of a plurality of sheet-like members, each providing one of said faces.

the shape is provided with only one fastening means at the face and is adapted (e.g. constructed and arranged) to fasten to another said polyhedral shape. at least one of said shapes can open whereby that shape can be used as a container.

the fastener (said member) is shaped to prevent mutual twisting between said member and said shape.

said shape opens to a net.

the apparatus comprises a combination of shape plus covers (said members). the apparatus comprises a combination of shape plus two-ended cooperating means (said members).

the apparatus is suitable for said polyhedral shape to co-act with another said shape.

said shape is a cuboid, e.g. a cube.

the apparatus provides a surface-covering game.

there may be an odd (or even) number of fastening means per said face.

there may be the same number of fastening means on each face.

the fastening means may be arranged in rows and columns, e.g. with all rows and/or columns (or both) having the same number of fastening means, and preferably the rows having the same number as the columns.

32. each said cooperating means is adapted to cover part of a said face.

33. is adapted for all said cooperating means for a face together to cover at least half of the face.

34. the apparatus is adapted for all said cooperating means for a face together to cover at least 90% of the face.

35. a said cooperating means comprises a cover portion to cover part of a said face at which it is attached and a fastening portion on one side of the cover portion to fasten to a said fastening means.

36. a said cooperating means comprises a second fastening portion on the other side of the cover portion to fasten to a said fastening means of another said shape.

[15] In one preferred embodiment, there is a hollow plastic cube, with nine holes per side.

Caps fit into the holes. The caps have studs on both sides, so more cubes may optionally be placed (fastened) onto the caps, building up a multi-cube (or other polyhedron) structure. So the embodiment may be used for constructing things; or, again, it may be used as a puzzle or game with the caps placed on the cube having colours, and rules concerning these colours.

[16] An example is now given of rules for a game or puzzle use of the apparatus with more explanation of how the game, and variations, work:

[17] The game is for a single player or multiple players. It is a turn-based puzzle and/or game.

[18] Contents

[19] 1. One 'cube', each face of which is perforated with nine holes.

[20] 2. 108 coloured caps, comprising six colours (18 caps of each colour). Note: Caps are shaped with a stud so they may be attached to the cube via the hole. In this way 9 caps fit to the face of a cube. Once the caps are attached to the cube each face is covered wholly in one of the six colours, but it is solid and does not divide into layers that can be twisted relative to one another

[21] Object

[22] (One Player)

[23] Achieve one, two, three, four, and six complete faces of the same colour each face.

(Different faces may be different colours).

[24] (Two, Three or Six Players)

[25] To score more points through complete rows and faces (either complete faces, or having a majority of the allocated player's colour(s)) than the opponent/s.

[26] Setup [27] All caps are placed inside the opaque bag.

[28] The play begins with the cube unadorned with caps.

[29] Gameplav

[30] (One Player)

[31] Two caps are retrieved from the bag without looking, ensuring that the colours of the caps drawn are random. These caps are then placed onto any face of the cube, but both on the same face if possible. The caps are placed such that they are side by side on the cube face (horizontally or vertically but not diagonally). If it is not possible to place both caps on any face (e.g. because each face has eight caps apiece) then the remaining space on each face may be filled by a single cap apiece. Two further caps are then retrieved from the bag without looking, ensuring that the colours of the caps drawn are random. These new caps must then replace two caps on any face of the cube. The replaced caps are put back into the opaque bag. Both new caps are placed on the chosen face of the cube such that they are side by side (horizontally or vertically but not diagonally).

[32] (Two, Three or Six Players)

[33] A die is thrown (or some other agreed upon procedure used) to determine the order that the players proceed to play. The same setup and gameplay are used as for one player, except that once one player has placed or replaced two caps, the turn moves to the next player and so on.

[34] Scoring

[35] (This is only one example):

[36] - 1 point for a row.

[37] - 10 points for a face.

[38] - 3 points for having the majority colour on a face.

[39] How To Win

[40] Play continues until a player achieves victory by attaining the first complete face or the most rows or some other criteria.

[41] Variations

[42] - More than one cube may be joined and combined to make cuboids and other 3D shapes on which to play. For instance two cubes can combine to create a cuboid of dimensions 1x1x2 units. And then the puzzle may commence on that shape. Conversely, a 2-dimensional analogue (i.e. being only one row of holes high) may be played on a flat board, with a 3x3 or other sized grid.

[43] - The number of caps placed per turn may be varied, from one to four or more, and their arrangement or configuration varied.

[44] - Such variations make the game infinitely extendible and creative.

[45] Insofar as the embodiments may be applied to e.g. constructional use, they may be applied to (or applied to forming or constructing) any of:

[46] 1. Educational device

[47] 2. Furniture

[48] 3. Storage containers

[49] 4. Packaging

[50] 5. Component of a larger structure.

[51] 6. Mathematical modelling and games (geometry, patterns, combinatorics), statistics, number theory, fractals, optimisation problems, graph theory and so on).

[52] 7. Physics modelling and games (physics, atoms, subatomic particles, forces and so on)

[53] 8. Chemical modelling and games (chemistry, molecules and so on)

[54] 9. Architectural modelling

[55] 10. Engineering modelling

[56] 11. Modelling a process

[57] 12. Prototyping

[58] 13. Recreational modelling

[59] 14. Holder for: flowers, kitchen utensils, stationery, toothbrushes, makeup and so on:

[60] DESCRIPTION RELATING TO DRAWINGS

[61] Reference will now be made by way of example to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[62] Figure 1 is a schematic isometric drawing of a cube embodying the invention;

[63] Figure 2 a schematic isometric drawing of a peg fastening member embodying the invention with press-stud engagement means;

[64] Figure 3 is a vertical cross-section of Figure 1, showing the peg

[65] Figure 4 is a view like Figure 3, showing the peg inserted;

[66] Figure 5 is a view like Figure 3, showing the peg about to be inserted into engagement with two adjacent cubes;

[67] Figure 6 is a view like Figure 3, showing the peg inserted into both cubes to hold them together;

[68] Figure 7 is a view like Figure 1, showing the covering function of different kinds of pegs inserted;

[69] Figure 8 is a schematic isometric drawing of part of a cube embodying the invention, showing how adjacent sheet-like faces of the cube may interengage;

[70] Figure 9 is a front view of the two faces before they interengage, showing means to enable them to fasten or hinge together;

[71] Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of the cube with a lid face opened;

[72] Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view of the cube with the lid face closed;

[73] Figure 12 is a schematic plan view of the cube opened out to a net; [74] Figure 13 is a schematic plan view of a plurality of the cubes (or said shapes only a single row high) interconnected in a 2-dimensional array;

[75] Figure 14 is a front view of several cubes interconnected;

[76] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the Figure 14 arrangement;

[77] Figure 16 is a front view of different said shapes interconnected;

[78] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the Figure 16 arrangement;

[79] Figure 18 is a front view of other different said shapes interconnected;

[80] Figure 19 is a perspective view of the Figure 18 arrangement;

[81] Figure 20 is a schematic isometric drawing of a shape, not itself embodying the invention but able to be used in embodiments of the invention, only a single row high, with but a single row of fastening means along each of the four narrow faces;

[82] Figure 21 is a view like Figure 20 of a similar arrangement, embodying the

invention, with fastening means also on the wide faces;

[83] Figure 22 is a view like Figure 20, showing a plurality of the Figure 20 shapes

fastened together, not itself embodying the invention but able to be used in embodiments of the invention;

[84] Figure 23 is a view like Figure 2 (with a magnified portion) of the fastening member with micro-hook and eye engagement means;

[85] Figure 24 is a view like Figure 23 of a variation of the Figure 23 arrangement with a handle;

[86] Figure 25 is a front view of the Figure 23 arrangement;

[87] Figure 26 is a front view of the Figure 24 arrangement with a single handle being part of said second engagement means;

[88] Figure 27 is a front view of the Figure 23 arrangement with a two handles being part of said first and second engagement means respectively;

[89] Figure 28 is a view like Figure 23 (with a magnified portion showing a tactile possibility, e.g. for use by the blind or others of impaired vision) of a variation of the Figure 23 embodiment with an arrangement in strips of alternate colours (or successive cycles of colours) or with a tactile form (in stripes) applied to said member (in which case a further objective of the embodiment when used as a game or puzzle can be to align the strips/stripes of the cover portions of the respective members on a face);

[90] Figure 29 is a view like Figure 23 of variations of the Figure 23 arrangement with a tactile form applied to said member as dimples or pimples, shown respectively in the two (alternative) magnified portions;

[91] Figure 30 is a schematic front view of the lid portion of the Figure 10 arrangement;

[92] Figure 31 is a schematic isometric drawing of the same; and

[93] Figures 32 and 33 are views like Figure 2 of alternative forms of pegs.

[94] Referring to the drawings, identical references refer to the same item in different Figures or items that are identical or similar or have similar functions, and references with the same first two digits refer to items that are identical or similar or have similar functions.

[95] For simplicity, details of Figures 1 to 6 are not shown in Figures 7 to 22 but are to be understood as possibly present, as indeed details shown in any one or more of the other Figures, within the scope of the appended claims. Likewise, separate handle portions 44 are not shown in Figures 3 to 6 but may be present as seen in Figure 2.

[96] Apparatus for game, constructional or like use, comprises a polyhedral shape 10 and a plurality of fastening members 12, said shape 10 having at least two faces 14, 16 each provided with at least two fastening means 18, 20, each said member 12 having first 22 and second 24 engagement means separated by a cover portion 26, such that the member 12 can be fastened to a said face 14 by said first engagement means 22 engaging with a said fastening means 18, with said cover portion 26 then covering part of that face 14. See Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 7.

[97] While the fastening means 18, 20 could be provided at edges or corners of each face 14, 16, it is preferred that said at least two fastening means 18, 20 are provided in said each face 14, 16, e.g. as seen in Figures 4 and 7. Said two faces 14, 16 are adapted to be adjacent one another and angled to one another.

[98] Said shape 10 has a recess 28 around each said fastening means 18, 20 suitable to receive a said cover portion 26 to cover substantially the whole of a said recess 28, see Figure 4. Said recesses 28 together cover at least (and substantially) 75% of a said face 14, 16 in the case of circular cover portions 26 as seen in Figure 7 and at least 90% (and substantially the whole) of a said face 14, 16 in the case of rectangular cover portions 26 as seen in Figures 1 and 7. When the cover portions 26 cover at least 50% of a face 14, 16, its general appearance or apparent tactile form will be that of the cover portions 26 if all are the same on that face 14, 16.

[99] In the Figure 20 embodiment, said shape 10 has two substantially parallel faces 30, 32 and has faces 14, 16 interconnecting these parallel faces 30, 32 and provided with said fastening means 18, 20, each of said interconnecting faces 14, 16 having only a single row of said fastening means 18, 20, this row being substantially parallel to said parallel faces 30, 32.

[100] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1, 7 and 21, it can be seen that each of said faces 14, 16, 30 has a two-dimensional array of said fastening means 18.

[101] In Figures 1, 3 to 6, 8 and 10, it can be seen that said shape 10 is hollow, as indeed it is for all the embodiments illustrated.

[102] In the Figure 10 embodiment, said shape 10 has the form of a container 10 with a face 141 hinged to the remainder of the shape 10 to form a lid 141 of the container 10.

Lid 141 is shown in more detail in Figures 30 and 31, which shows the rounded part 66 at a hinging edge, not shown in the drawings of Figures 8 and 9 because these are only schematic. (It is to be remembered that the shapes 10 can be used any way up, i.e. in any orientation.)

[103] All the faces 14 etc. of the shape 10 are preferably hinged together whereby the

shape can be opened out into a two-dimensional net 101. (Net 101 is said shape 10 in an opened out form, e.g. a form in which the apparatus may be sold. References in the present description and claims to said shape include reference to the shape in net form where the case will allow.) The hinge can be effected by use of pimples 34 and dimples 36 which interengage when adjacent edges 38, 40 are interdigitated as shown in Figure 8. Said all the faces 14 etc. are preferably adapted (e.g. with the aid of an integral fastening, e.g. pimples 34 and dimples 36 of suitable profiles) to fasten together releasably at non-hinged edges 38, 40 and are adapted not to be able to be unfastened at hinged edges 38, 40 e.g. by means of suitable profiles of pimples 34 and dimples 36.

[104] Said fastening means 18, 20 are adapted for press-stud fastening by being in the form of holes 18, 20 with resilient edges due to the material of the shape 10 being resilient, e.g. PTFE.

[105] Said fastening means 181, 201 are adapted for micro-hook and eye, e.g. Velcro (a trade name), fastening by having material 42 of micro-hook or micro-eye form covering part of, or much of (i.e. a substantial part of, or at least half the area of, or most of, or substantially all of possibly apart from over the hole 18, 20 if both hole and such material are provided), the base 281 of the recess 28.

[106] Said fastening members 12 are adapted for press-stud fastening with said fastening means 18, 20 by being made of resilient material, e.g.PTFE. Said fastening members 12 may be monolithic, and may be made of a single material.

[107] Said fastening members 12 are adapted for micro-hook and eye fastening with said fastening means 18, 20 by having material 42 of micro-hook or micro-eye form covering part of, or much of (i.e. a substantial part of, or at least half the area of, or most of, or substantially all of apart from over shank 22, 24 if both shank and such material are provided), the cover portion 26.

[108] Said second engagement means 24 comprise handle means 44 suitable for engagement with a hand, illustrated as a ridged part 44 in Figure 2. However, a press-stud protuberance 221, 241 beyond a neck 46 may serve as handle means 44, as actually seen in Figure 4.

[109] Said first engagement means 22 comprise means 221, 241, 46 adapted for press-stud engagement with said fastening means 18, 20. The neck 46 is just sufficiently long for the protuberance 221, 224 to snap comfortably behind the face 14, 16 when pressed through the hole 18, 20, as clearly seen in Figures 3 to 6. [110] As clearly seen in Figures 1 and 23, said first and second engagement means 22, 24 comprise means 222, 242 adapted for micro-hook and eye engagement with said fastening means 181, 201, respectively, by said means 222, 242 comprising material 42 of micro-hook or micro-eye form covering part of, or much of (i.e. a substantial part of, or at least half the area of, or most of, or substantially all of) substrate 241 of cover portion 26.

[I l l] Said first and second engagement means 22, 24 of a said member 12 are preferably of the same kind, e.g. both press-stud or both micro-hook and eye. As seen in Figures 2 to 6, said first and second engagement means 22, 24 of a said member 12 are of identical form. As seen in Figures 2 to 6 and 23 to 29, said cover portion 26 is sheetlike.

[112] There is a first plurality of different colours and/or tactile forms and/or combinations of such colours and/or tactile forms and each one of this plurality is applied to one or both sides (surfaces) of the cover portions 26 of a plurality of said members 12. Thus, for example, there is a plurality of pegs 12 with red on both surfaces of their cover portions 26, another plurality of pegs 12 with blue similarly, another plurality of pegs 12 with yellow similarly, and so on, such colours forming said first plurality.

[113] Thus, said cover portion 26 of a said member 12 is of sheet-like form and said colour or tactile form or combination is applied to one surface thereof, and the same (or a different) colour or tactile form or combination is applied to the other surface of said sheet- like cover portion.

[114] As explained above, the apparatus may be embodied in the form of game including rules as to how one or more players is/are to place said members 12 in engagement as aforesaid on a said face so as to cover the face (at least partially) when in fastening engagement with the fastening means thereof. Said rules may provide for said members 12 to be placed as aforesaid successively, and the apparatus may be adapted for this, e.g. permanent such placing by modifying the press-stud fastenings 18, 20, 22, 24 to be snap fastenings that cannot be undone. Again, said rules may provide for a said member 12 placed as aforesaid to be replaced by another said member 12 placed as aforesaid by making the press-stud fastenings readily disengageable.

[115] The apparatus may comprise a plurality of said shapes 10, as 11, 111, 112, 113 and so on. Such apparatus is thus adapted to be formed into a structure comprising a plurality of said shapes 11, 111, 112, in which two of said shapes 11, 111, 112 (in practice, adjacent said shapes 11, 111, 112) are held together ( i.e. held to each other) by one or more of said members 12 with its first engagement means 22 engaging a said fastening means 18 of one of said two shapes 11, 111 and its second engagement means 24 engaging a said fastening means 20 of the other of said two shapes 11, 111, as seen clearly in Figures 5 and 6. In practice, said two shapes 11, 111 are adapted to be held fastened together by at least two of said members 12 since it is required that shapes 11, 111 should not rotate relative to one another when fastened together although they would be able so to rotate if only one member 12 interconnected them. (To prevent such mutual rotation with only a single interconnecting member 12 in use between them, the shapes 11, 111 could have e.g. locating projections and co-operating recesses, not shown.)

[116] A particular preferred apparatus 10 comprises a polyhedral shape 10 adapted for use as the said polyhedral shape 10 of apparatus as described above, that is indivisible in that it is not adapted to subdivide into polyhedral shapes, and having at least two faces 14, 16, each provided with at least two press-stud fastening means 18, 20 in the face 14, 16 such that said members 12 can fasten to said fastening means 18, 20 so as to be exposed only at that face 14, 16 (and not simultaneously at an adjacent face 16, 14).

[117] Another particular preferred apparatus 10 comprises a polyhedral shape 10 adapted for use as the said polyhedral shape 10 of apparatus as described above, that is indivisible in that it is not adapted to subdivide into polyhedral shapes, and having at least two faces 14, 16, each provided with at least two micro-hook and eye fastening means 181, 201 in the face 14, 16 such that said members 12 can fasten to said fastening means 181, 201 so as to be exposed only at that face 14, 16 (and not simultaneously at an adjacent face 16, 14).

[118] In either such apparatus 10, said shape 10 has a recess 28 around each said fastening means 18, 20.

[119] Another particular preferred apparatus 12 comprises a fastening member 12 adapted for use as the said fastening member 12 of apparatus as described above, said member 12 having first and second engagement means 22, 24 separated by a sheet- like cover portion 26. In respective examples of this embodiment, said first engagement means 22 comprise means 46, 221 adapted for press-stud engagement and said second engagement means 24 comprise means 46, 221 adapted for press-stud engagement, and/ or said first engagement means 22 comprise means 222 adapted for micro-hook and eye engagement and said second engagement means 24 comprise means 242 adapted for micro-hook and eye engagement.

[120] Said second engagement means 24 (and likewise said first engagement means 22) comprise handle means 44 suitable for engagement with a hand.

[121] As described, in a method of playing a game and/or a method of construction (or indeed any of the other uses indicated herein), there is used any such apparatus.

[122] In some very simple variations, the shape 10 is as actually seen in Figure 7 i.e.

without recesses 28, it may be solid, the pegs 12 may simply have a friction fit and be shaped as seen in Figure 32 with round cross-section shanks 22, 24 (said first and second engagement means 22, 24) if the cover portion 26 is round or be shaped as seen in Figure 33 with shaped, i.e. non-round (e.g. triangular), cross-section shanks 22, 24, e.g. if the cover portion 26 is shaped (possibly a different shape from the shank cross- section, e.g. square) so that the pegs 12 (and especially their cover portions 26) then do not rotate when held in the holes 18, 20 (which are shaped to match the shank cross- section) to maximise the cover effect of the pegs 18, 20. Pegs 12 may have tapered shanks 22, 24. Rather like the strips/stripes embodiments mentioned above, the cover portions 26 may bear parts of a design extending over several cover portions 26 which, as well as being correctly chosen, therefore need to be rotated into correct register with one another to see/feel the design.

[123] In all embodiments of the invention, pegs 12 have (besides the first engagement means 22) a second engagement means 24 (shown in dashed lines in Figure 7 only for the sake of clarity), even if this is (or is used as) only a handle means 24 to be engaged by the hand.

[124] in the embodiments illustrated, said shape 10 is a 72mm x 72mm x 72mm cube, with recesses 28 regularly and/or equally spaced and each recess 28 being 20mm x 20mm and 2mm deep, the hole 18, 20 is 4mm in diameter (preferably central in each recess), the recesses being defined by (or separated by) dividers 50 that are 3mm wide; each peg cover portion 26 is 20mm x 20mm (or slightly less to fit into the recesses 28) and 4mm thick (the dimension 52), i.e. double the depth 56 of a recess 28 so as to occupy (substantially fully) the facing recesses 28 of adjacent cubes 11, 111, the engagement means 22, 24 of a peg 12 being the rod- like or cylinder- like projections 22, 24 from the cover portion 26, each formed of a neck 46 of slightly less width than the hole width (4mm diameter) and a widened or protuberant portion 221, 241 of slightly more than the hole width (4mm diameter), the neck portion 46 (in the direction of dimension 52, i.e. lengthwise of the peg) being substantially equal in length to the thickness 58 of material (3mm) surrounding a hole 18, 20 whereby the engagement means 22, 24 will produce a snap fit (press-stud fit) into the hole 18, 20. The second engagement means 24 may serve as handle means 44 or may be extended beyond the protuberant portion 221, 241 (e.g. by 4- 10mm) to form separate handle means 44, for this purpose being formed with a gripping (e.g. knurled or ridged) surface 60 and of slightly less diameter than said hole 18, 20 of an adjacent cube 111 so as to pass readily through such hole before the protuberant part 241 engages the same in a snap fit. The two engagement means 22, 24 of a peg 12 may be identical. When the apparatus is used with only one cube (or other shape) 10, the handle means 44 of the first engagement means 22 passes into the cube or other shape through the hole 18, and the handle means 44 of the second engagement means 24 is available to be engaged by a hand to hold the peg 12 in order to insert or withdraw the peg. A second cube or other shape 111 may be pressed into fastening engagement with the first cube or other shape 11 by simply pressing it onto the second engagement means 24 projecting from the first cube or other shape 11. The cubes or other shapes may be separated by simply pulling them apart. Likewise, a peg 12 may be withdrawn from a cube or other shape 11, 111 by simply pulling it out of engagement with the cube or other shape by pulling on its handle 44. Engagement or disengagement using the press-stud or micro-hook and eye action operates by resiliently deforming part or all of the engagement means and/or fastening means, with the aid of what may be termed a micro-resilient system.

[125] Figures 8 and 9 show how face edges (releasably) slot together. This is schematic; there may be more, or many more, teeth 62 and notches 64; they may be so fine that that are like a zip fastener.

[126] In Figure 7, most of the fasteners 12 or 18 are shown schematically only as circles.

[127] The shape 10 in Figure 20 may be thought of as a flattened cuboid 10. Such shapes 10 are horizontally joined together to form a 2D surface-like structure.

[128] It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, that features of the different embodiments disclosed herein may be omitted, selected, combined or exchanged and the invention is considered to extend to any new and inventive combination thus formed that falls within the appended claims other than claims 44, 45, 48 and 49. Where a preference or particularisation is stated, there is implied the possibility of its negative, i.e. a case in which that preference or particularisation is absent.

[129] Many variations of the invention and embodiments hereinbefore described will be apparent to people skilled in the art and all such variations that fall within the appended claims other than claims 44, 45, 48 and 49 are to be considered as falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

[Claim 1] 1. Apparatus for game, constructional or like use, comprising a

polyhedral shape and a plurality of fastening members, said shape having at least two faces each provided with a two-dimensional array of fastening means and being indivisible in that it is not adapted to subdivide into polyhedral shapes, each said member having first and second engagement means separated by a cover portion, such that the member can be fastened to a said face by said first engagement means engaging with a said fastening means, with said cover portion then covering part of that face.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which at least two fastening means of a said array are provided in the face that is provided with that array.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which said two faces are adapted to be adjacent one another.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which said two faces are adapted to be adjacent one another and angled to one another.

5. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, said shape having a recess around each said fastening means suitable to receive a said cover portion.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, said shape having a recess around each said fastening means suitable to receive a said cover portion to cover substantially the whole of said recess.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5 or 6, said recesses together covering at least 50% of a said face.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5 or 6, said recesses together covering at least 75% of a said face.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5 or 6, said recesses together covering at least 90% of a said face.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5 or 6, said recesses together covering substantially 75% of a said face.

11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5 or 6, said recesses together covering substantially the whole of a said face.

12. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, said shape having two substantially parallel faces and having faces interconnecting these parallel faces and provided with said fastening means.

13. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, each of said inter- connecting faces having only a single row of said fastening means, this row being substantially parallel to said parallel faces.

14. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, said shape being hollow.

15. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, said shape having the form of a container.

16. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, said shape having a face hinged to the remainder of the shape.

17. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, said shape having the form of a container and having a face hinged to the remainder of the shape to form a lid of the container.

18. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which all the faces of the shape are hinged together at edges thereof whereby the shape can be opened out into the form of a two-dimensional net.

19. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18, in which said shape is in said opened out form.

20. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18 or 19, in which all the faces, being hinged together as aforesaid, are adapted to fasten together at non-hinged edges to form the shape.

21. Apparatus as claimed in claim 18 or 19, in which all the faces, being hinged together as aforesaid, are adapted to fasten together at non-hinged edges to form the shape and are adapted not to be able to be unfastened at hinged edges.

22. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which said fastening means are adapted for press-stud fastening.

23. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which said fastening means are adapted for micro-hook and eye fastening.

24. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which said fastening members are adapted for press-stud fastening.

25. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which said fastening members are adapted for micro-hook and eye fastening.

26. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which said second engagement means comprise handle means suitable for engagement with a hand.

27. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which said first engagement means comprise means adapted for press-stud engagement with said fastening means.

28. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which said first en- gagement means comprise means adapted for micro-hook and eye engagement with said fastening means.

29. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which said first and second engagement means of a said member are of the same kind.

30. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which said first and second engagement means of a said member are of identical form.

31. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which said cover portion is sheet-like.

32. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which there is a first plurality of different colours and/or tactile forms and/or combinations of such colours and/or tactile forms and each one of this plurality is applied to a plurality of said members.

33. Apparatus as claimed in claim 32, in which said cover portion of a said member is of sheet-like form and said colour or tactile form or combination is applied to one surface thereof.

34. Apparatus as claimed in claim 33, in which the same colour or tactile form or combination is applied also to the other surface of said sheet- like cover portion.

35. Apparatus as claimed in claim 33, in which a different colour or tactile form or combination is applied to the other surface of said sheetlike cover portion.

36. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in the form of game including rules as to how one or more players is/are to place said members in engagement as aforesaid on a said face so as to cover the face (at least partially) when in fastening engagement with the fastening means thereof.

37. Apparatus as claimed in claim 36, adapted for said rules to provide for said members to be placed as aforesaid successively.

38. Apparatus as claimed in claim 36, adapted for said rules to provide for a said member placed as aforesaid to be replaced by another said member placed as aforesaid.

39. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of said shapes.

40. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, adapted to be formed into a structure comprising a plurality of said shapes, in which two of said shapes are held together by one or more of said members with its first engagement means engaging a said fastening means of one of said two shapes and its second engagement means engaging a said fastening means of the other of said two shapes.

41. Apparatus as claimed in claim 40, in which said two shapes are adapted to be held together by at least two of said members.

42. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which said fastening means are press-stud fastening means and are such that said members can fasten to said fastening means in a said face so as to be exposed only at that face.

43. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which said fastening means are micro-hook and eye fastening means and are such that said members can fasten to said fastening means in a said face so as to be exposed only at that face.

44. Apparatus for game, constructional or like use, substantially according to any example hereinbefore described.

45. Apparatus for game, constructional or like use, substantially according to any example hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

46. A method of playing a game in which there is used apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim.

47. A method of construction in which there is used apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 45.

48. A method of utilising apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 45, and substantially according to any example hereinbefore described.

49. A method of utilising apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 45, and substantially according to any example hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

50. An article constructed using a method as claimed in any one of claims 47 to 49.