EP1328325B1 - Puzzle - Google Patents
Puzzle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1328325B1 EP1328325B1 EP01966804A EP01966804A EP1328325B1 EP 1328325 B1 EP1328325 B1 EP 1328325B1 EP 01966804 A EP01966804 A EP 01966804A EP 01966804 A EP01966804 A EP 01966804A EP 1328325 B1 EP1328325 B1 EP 1328325B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- puzzle
- retaining
- modules
- retaining means
- common point
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
- A63F9/06—Patience; Other games for self-amusement
- A63F9/08—Puzzles provided with elements movable in relation, i.e. movably connected, to each other
- A63F9/0826—Three-dimensional puzzles with slidable or rotatable elements or groups of elements, the main configuration remaining unchanged, e.g. Rubik's cube
- A63F9/0838—Three-dimensional puzzles with slidable or rotatable elements or groups of elements, the main configuration remaining unchanged, e.g. Rubik's cube with an element, e.g. invisible core, staying permanently in a central position having the function of central retaining spider and with groups of elements rotatable about at least three axes intersecting in one point
- A63F9/0842—Three-dimensional puzzles with slidable or rotatable elements or groups of elements, the main configuration remaining unchanged, e.g. Rubik's cube with an element, e.g. invisible core, staying permanently in a central position having the function of central retaining spider and with groups of elements rotatable about at least three axes intersecting in one point each group consisting of again a central element and a plurality of additional elements rotatable about three orthogonal axes at both ends, the additional elements being rotatable about at least two axes, e.g. Rubik's cube
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a puzzle according to the preamble of claim 1.
- SU 1 253 658 A1 discloses a puzzle cube having playing elements supported on a sphere and arranged in layers. The layers can be rotated around three mutually perpendicular axes which pass through the sphere centre being displaced in three mutually perpendicular directions relative to a cube centre.
- SU 1 409 306 A1 discloses a similar puzzle in the form of a parallelepiped containing playing elements, which form three groups of game layers perpendicular to each other.
- the layers are rotatable about three intersecting axes perpendicular to each other.
- the dissection planes are thereby asymmetric to the centre of the parallelepiped.
- the playing elements are mounted on a spherical bearing such as using magnetic properties on a spherical bearing.
- the Rubiks Cube has a connecting element in the geometrical centre of the cube.
- the connecting element is used to hold the elements of the puzzle in a cubic arrangement, and due to its central position, the shape of the puzzle remains substantially the same as mentioned above.
- the present invention seeks to provide a puzzle which has a particular shape when in its solved condition, but which is relatively irregular in shape whilst manipulating the moving parts. In order to solve the puzzle the user must return it to its original shape.
- the present invention provides a puzzle comprising a plurality of shaped modules and a retaining means for retaining the modules in an assembled arrangement, wherein the retaining means defines three mutually perpendicular axes about which the shaped modules selectively pivot to enable the puzzle to assume a plurality of configurations, wherein one of said configurations represents a solved condition such that when in that condition the puzzle has at least one axis of symmetry, and wherein the three mutually perpendicular axes intersect at a common point eccentrically located with respect to the at least one symmetrical axis of the puzzle when in its solved condition, the retaining means comprises three elongate elements each defining a respective one of the three axes, wherein each elongate element has two opposed ends, each opposed end having a retaining projection extending laterally therefrom.
- each retaining projection is rotatably mounted with respect to the common point of the retaining means.
- the shaped modules may comprise an engaging means for engagement with the retaining projections so as to be slidably retained thereby.
- the engaging means may be in the form of a protrusion from the module which may be received within the retaining means and/or adjacent module.
- Each protrusion may be orientated such that it protrudes towards the common point of the retaining means when the puzzle is in an assembled arrangement.
- each shaped module and retaining projection comprises an exterior surface adapted to provide the puzzle with a regular shape when the puzzle is in its solved condition.
- remaining surfaces of the shaped modules are interior planar surfaces.
- Each interior planar surface may be configured to allow rotation of the shaped modules about the common point of the retaining means.
- each retaining projection is located on one or more of the interior planar surfaces.
- each module may bear indicia which represent a coordinated solution when the puzzle is in its solved condition.
- the indicia is in the form of a pattern and/or colours.
- the puzzle comprises twenty shaped modules and one retaining means having six retaining projections.
- the puzzle may have a first, second and third tiers, the first and third tiers each comprising one retaining projection and eight modules, and the second tier being located between the first and third tiers and having four retaining projections and four modules.
- the puzzle 11 according to a first embodiment comprises twenty shaped modules 15 and a retaining means 17 for retaining the modules 15 in an assembled arrangement.
- the interaction between the retaining means 17 and the shaped modules 15 of the puzzle 11 is similar to the interaction of the various components of the Rubiks Cube.
- the retaining means 17, as shown in Figure 8 comprises three mutually perpendicular elongate elements 21, each having two opposed ends 23 and intersecting at a common point 31.
- a retaining projection 19 extends laterally from each opposed end 23, and is rotatably mounted thereon.
- Each shaped module 15 and retaining projection 19 has an exterior surface 25.
- the exterior surface 25 is shaped so that when the puzzle is in its solved condition, the shaped modules 15 and retaining projections 19 collectively represent a cylinder 13, as shown in Figure 1 .
- each shaped module 15 further comprises a protrusion 33 adapted to be slidably retained by the retaining projections 19 and/or adjacent shaped modules 15.
- the protrusion 33 on each shaped module 15 is orientated such that it protrudes towards the common point 31 of the retaining means 17.
- each shaped module 15 represent interior planar surfaces 27, with at least one interior planar surface 27 incorporating the protrusion 33.
- the interior planar surfaces 27 allow interior planar surfaces on adjacent modules 15 to slide thereacross when the puzzle 11 is manipulated to a different configuration.
- the puzzle 11 can assume a plurality of configurations, several of which appear in Figures 1 and 3 to 7 .
- One such configuration is a solved condition, representing the cylinder 13, as previously discussed and shown in Figure 1 .
- the cylinder 13 has three axes of symmetry intersecting at its geometric centre (not shown).
- the common point 31 of the elongate elements 21 is spaced from the geometric centre of the cylinder 13 so as to be eccentric with respect thereto.
- the common point 31 is offset from all three axes of symmetry.
- the puzzle 11 can only represent its original shape when in its solved condition. All other configurations represent an irregular shape. This increases the level of difficulty, making it harder to find the solution for the puzzle.
- the cylinder 13 has three tiers extending along each one of the three elongate elements 21.
- the elongate element 21a which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder 13, has a first tier 35, a second tier 37 and a third tier 39.
- Each tier is rotatable about its respective elongate element 21 relative to the eccentrically positioned common point 31.
- the puzzle 11 Due to the eccentricity of the common point 31 relative to the geometrical centre, the puzzle 11 will have a plurality of configurations which are irregular in shape, but only one configuration in which the puzzle 11 will be in the form of a cylinder 13.
- the exterior surface 25 of the shaped modules 15 may bear a pattern, a colour or colours, and/or other indicia such that when the puzzle 11 is in its solved arrangement the pattern represents a recognisable representation.
- the cylinder 13 may be in the form of a beverage can, and the exterior of the cylinder 13 may bear the label of a well-known beverage. Hence, when the puzzle is in a solved condition, it will be similar in appearance to the can of the well-known beverage.
- Another embodiment of the puzzle 11 is in the form of a sphere 61 as shown in Figures 10 .
- the construction of the sphere is similar to that of the cylinder 13.
- the pattern on the exterior of the sphere 61 may represent a soccer ball or basketball and may have the colours of a particular team.
- FIG. 1 may depict an Australian football, rugby ball, American football or a tennis ball.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Toys (AREA)
- Medicines Containing Antibodies Or Antigens For Use As Internal Diagnostic Agents (AREA)
- Steroid Compounds (AREA)
- Diaphragms For Electromechanical Transducers (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a puzzle according to the preamble of claim 1.
-
SU 1 253 658 A1 -
SU 1 409 306 A1 - Puzzles in the form of the well-known Rubiks Cube disclosed for example in
CA 2 227 072 A1 - Puzzles like the Rubiks Cube generally have a basic shape, whereby no movement of the various tiers can take place unless the puzzle is in its basic shape, which in the case of Rubiks puzzle is a cube. Therefore, as the shape of the puzzle remains the same at all stages of solving the puzzle, the object of the puzzle is simply to get each face representing one colour.
- The Rubiks Cube has a connecting element in the geometrical centre of the cube. The connecting element is used to hold the elements of the puzzle in a cubic arrangement, and due to its central position, the shape of the puzzle remains substantially the same as mentioned above.
- The present invention seeks to provide a puzzle which has a particular shape when in its solved condition, but which is relatively irregular in shape whilst manipulating the moving parts. In order to solve the puzzle the user must return it to its original shape.
- The present invention provides a puzzle comprising a plurality of shaped modules and a retaining means for retaining the modules in an assembled arrangement, wherein the retaining means defines three mutually perpendicular axes about which the shaped modules selectively pivot to enable the puzzle to assume a plurality of configurations, wherein one of said configurations represents a solved condition such that when in that condition the puzzle has at least one axis of symmetry, and wherein the three mutually perpendicular axes intersect at a common point eccentrically located with respect to the at least one symmetrical axis of the puzzle when in its solved condition, the retaining means comprises three elongate elements each defining a respective one of the three axes, wherein each elongate element has two opposed ends, each opposed end having a retaining projection extending laterally therefrom.
- Preferably each retaining projection is rotatably mounted with respect to the common point of the retaining means.
- The shaped modules may comprise an engaging means for engagement with the retaining projections so as to be slidably retained thereby.
- The engaging means may be in the form of a protrusion from the module which may be received within the retaining means and/or adjacent module.
- Each protrusion may be orientated such that it protrudes towards the common point of the retaining means when the puzzle is in an assembled arrangement.
- Preferably each shaped module and retaining projection comprises an exterior surface adapted to provide the puzzle with a regular shape when the puzzle is in its solved condition.
- Preferably remaining surfaces of the shaped modules are interior planar surfaces.
- Each interior planar surface may be configured to allow rotation of the shaped modules about the common point of the retaining means.
- Preferably rotation of one retaining projection induces movement of the adjacent modules.
- Preferably each retaining projection is located on one or more of the interior planar surfaces.
- The exterior surface of each module may bear indicia which represent a coordinated solution when the puzzle is in its solved condition.
- Preferably the indicia is in the form of a pattern and/or colours.
- In one aspect of invention the puzzle comprises twenty shaped modules and one retaining means having six retaining projections. The puzzle may have a first, second and third tiers, the first and third tiers each comprising one retaining projection and eight modules, and the second tier being located between the first and third tiers and having four retaining projections and four modules.
- The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of several specific embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which:
-
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the puzzle in a solved arrangement; -
Figure 2 is a plan view ofFigure 1 ; -
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the puzzle having only the middle longitudinal tier rotated; -
Figure 4 is an underside perspective view of the puzzle having only the middle axial tier rotated; -
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the puzzle having only one end tier rotated; -
Figure 6 is a side view ofFigure 5 ; -
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the puzzle after several tiers have been moved successively; -
Figure 8 is a perspective view from the underside of the retaining means with one projection shown in dotted outline; -
Figure 9 is a perspective view of the interior planar surfaces of three adjacent shaped modules; and -
Figure 10 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the puzzle in a solved arrangement. - Referring to
Figures 1 to 9 , thepuzzle 11 according to a first embodiment comprises twentyshaped modules 15 and a retaining means 17 for retaining themodules 15 in an assembled arrangement. - The interaction between the retaining means 17 and the
shaped modules 15 of thepuzzle 11 is similar to the interaction of the various components of the Rubiks Cube. - The retaining means 17, as shown in
Figure 8 , comprises three mutually perpendicularelongate elements 21, each having twoopposed ends 23 and intersecting at acommon point 31. - A
retaining projection 19 extends laterally from each opposedend 23, and is rotatably mounted thereon. - Each
shaped module 15 andretaining projection 19 has anexterior surface 25. Theexterior surface 25 is shaped so that when the puzzle is in its solved condition, theshaped modules 15 and retainingprojections 19 collectively represent acylinder 13, as shown inFigure 1 . - As shown in
figure 9 , eachshaped module 15 further comprises aprotrusion 33 adapted to be slidably retained by theretaining projections 19 and/or adjacentshaped modules 15. - When the puzzle is in an assembled arrangement, the
protrusion 33 on eachshaped module 15 is orientated such that it protrudes towards thecommon point 31 of the retaining means 17. - The remaining surfaces of each
shaped module 15 represent interiorplanar surfaces 27, with at least one interiorplanar surface 27 incorporating theprotrusion 33. The interiorplanar surfaces 27 allow interior planar surfaces onadjacent modules 15 to slide thereacross when thepuzzle 11 is manipulated to a different configuration. - The
puzzle 11 can assume a plurality of configurations, several of which appear inFigures 1 and3 to7 . One such configuration is a solved condition, representing thecylinder 13, as previously discussed and shown inFigure 1 . In this condition thecylinder 13 has three axes of symmetry intersecting at its geometric centre (not shown). Thecommon point 31 of theelongate elements 21 is spaced from the geometric centre of thecylinder 13 so as to be eccentric with respect thereto. In this embodiment, thecommon point 31 is offset from all three axes of symmetry. - As the
common point 31 of the three axis of rotation is offset from the symmetrical axes, thepuzzle 11 can only represent its original shape when in its solved condition. All other configurations represent an irregular shape. This increases the level of difficulty, making it harder to find the solution for the puzzle. - The
cylinder 13 has three tiers extending along each one of the threeelongate elements 21. As shown inFigure 4 for example, theelongate element 21a, which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of thecylinder 13, has afirst tier 35, asecond tier 37 and athird tier 39. Each tier is rotatable about its respectiveelongate element 21 relative to the eccentrically positionedcommon point 31. - Rotating a tier of the
cylinder 13 will result in thepuzzle 11 taking on an irregular shaped configuration, as shown inFigures 3 to 6 , due to the eccentric orientation of thecommon point 31 with respect to the geometrical centre. Further rotation of the tiers will distort thepuzzle 11 further away from its solved condition, as shown inFigure 7 . - Due to the eccentricity of the
common point 31 relative to the geometrical centre, thepuzzle 11 will have a plurality of configurations which are irregular in shape, but only one configuration in which thepuzzle 11 will be in the form of acylinder 13. - To add another dimension to the
puzzle 11, theexterior surface 25 of the shapedmodules 15 may bear a pattern, a colour or colours, and/or other indicia such that when thepuzzle 11 is in its solved arrangement the pattern represents a recognisable representation. For example, thecylinder 13 may be in the form of a beverage can, and the exterior of thecylinder 13 may bear the label of a well-known beverage. Hence, when the puzzle is in a solved condition, it will be similar in appearance to the can of the well-known beverage. - Another embodiment of the
puzzle 11 is in the form of asphere 61 as shown inFigures 10 . The construction of the sphere is similar to that of thecylinder 13. In this embodiment, the pattern on the exterior of thesphere 61 may represent a soccer ball or basketball and may have the colours of a particular team. - Further embodiments may include an Australian football, rugby ball, American football or a tennis ball.
- Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee may fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed.
- Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.
Claims (14)
- A puzzle (11) comprising a plurality of shaped modules (15) and a retaining means (17) for retaining the modules (15) in an assembled arrangement,
wherein the retaining means (17) defines three mutually perpendicular axes about which the shaped modules (15) selectively pivot to enable the puzzle (11) to assume a plurality of configurations,
wherein the three mutually perpendicular axes intersect at a common point (31),
wherein one of said configurations represents a solved condition such that when in that condition the puzzle (11) has at least one axis of symmetry,
wherein the retaining means (17) comprises three elongate elements (21) each defining a respective one of the three axes,
wherein each elongate element (21) has two opposed ends (23), each opposed end (23) having a retaining projection (19) extending laterally therefrom,
characterized in that the common point (31) is eccentrically located with respect to the at least one symmetrical axis of the puzzle (11) when in its solved condition, - A puzzle (11) according to claim 1 wherein each retaining projection (19) is rotatably mounted with respect to the common point (31) of the retaining means (17).
- A puzzle (11) according to claims 1 or 2 wherein the shaped modules (15) comprise an engaging means for engagement with the retaining projections (19) so as to be slidably retained thereby.
- A puzzle (11) according to claim 3 wherein the engaging means is in the form of a protrusion (33) from the module (15) which is receivable within the retaining means (17) and/or adjacent module (15).
- A puzzle (11) according to claim 4 wherein each protrusion (33) is orientated such that it protrudes towards the common point (31) of the retaining means (17) when in an assembled arrangement.
- A puzzle (11) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each shaped module (15) and retaining projection (19) comprises an exterior surface (25) adapted to provide the puzzle (11) with a regular shape when the puzzle (11) is in its solved condition.
- A puzzle (11) according to claim 6 wherein remaining surfaces of the shaped modules (15) are interior planar surfaces (27).
- A puzzle (11) according to claim 7 wherein each interior planar surface (27) is configured to allow rotation of the shaped modules (15) about the common point (31) of the retaining means (17).
- A puzzle (11) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein rotation of one retaining projection (19) induces movement of the adjacent modules (15).
- A puzzle (11) according to claims 7, 8 or 9 wherein each retaining projection (19) is located on one or more of the interior planar surfaces (27).
- A puzzle (11) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the exterior surface (25) of each module (15) bears indicia which represent a coordinated solution when the puzzle (11) is in its solved condition.
- A puzzle (11) according to claim 7 wherein the indicia is in the form of a pattern and/or colours.
- A puzzle (11) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising twenty shaped modules (15) and one retaining means (17) having six retaining projections (19).
- A puzzle (11) according to any one of the preceding claims having a first, second and third tiers (35, 37, 39), the first and third tiers (35, 39) each comprising one retaining projection (19) and eight modules (15), and the second tier (37) being located between the first and third tiers (35, 39) and having four retaining projections (19) and four modules (15).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AUPQ988200 | 2000-09-04 | ||
AUPQ9882A AUPQ988200A0 (en) | 2000-09-04 | 2000-09-04 | Puzzle |
PCT/AU2001/001108 WO2002020105A1 (en) | 2000-09-04 | 2001-09-04 | Puzzle |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1328325A1 EP1328325A1 (en) | 2003-07-23 |
EP1328325A4 EP1328325A4 (en) | 2006-05-10 |
EP1328325B1 true EP1328325B1 (en) | 2008-11-19 |
Family
ID=3823936
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP01966804A Expired - Lifetime EP1328325B1 (en) | 2000-09-04 | 2001-09-04 | Puzzle |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1328325B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2004507334A (en) |
AT (1) | ATE414560T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AUPQ988200A0 (en) |
DE (1) | DE60136642D1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2316466T3 (en) |
PT (1) | PT1328325E (en) |
WO (1) | WO2002020105A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE8108497U1 (en) * | 1981-09-24 | Gebr. Obermaier oHG, 8210 Prien | Rotating cube | |
JPS6013502Y2 (en) * | 1981-03-02 | 1985-04-30 | 亨 井脇 | 3D puzzle toy |
US4405131A (en) * | 1981-09-25 | 1983-09-20 | Tibor Horvath | Puzzle cube |
US4513970A (en) * | 1983-01-24 | 1985-04-30 | Ovidiu Opresco | Polymorphic twist puzzle |
SU1253658A3 (en) * | 1983-07-08 | 1986-08-30 | Лев Дмитриевич Шмелев | Volumetric logic puzzle |
SU1409306A1 (en) * | 1987-01-05 | 1988-07-15 | В.В.Михайлов | Puzzle |
CS277266B6 (en) * | 1990-11-08 | 1992-12-16 | Hrsel Karel | Three-dimensioned jig-saw puzzle |
CA2227072A1 (en) * | 1998-01-14 | 1999-07-14 | Sen Li Chen | Two-layer intellectual cube |
-
2000
- 2000-09-04 AU AUPQ9882A patent/AUPQ988200A0/en not_active Abandoned
-
2001
- 2001-09-04 JP JP2002524587A patent/JP2004507334A/en active Pending
- 2001-09-04 EP EP01966804A patent/EP1328325B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-09-04 WO PCT/AU2001/001108 patent/WO2002020105A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2001-09-04 ES ES01966804T patent/ES2316466T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-09-04 DE DE60136642T patent/DE60136642D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-09-04 PT PT01966804T patent/PT1328325E/en unknown
- 2001-09-04 AT AT01966804T patent/ATE414560T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1328325A4 (en) | 2006-05-10 |
DE60136642D1 (en) | 2009-01-02 |
AUPQ988200A0 (en) | 2000-09-28 |
ATE414560T1 (en) | 2008-12-15 |
PT1328325E (en) | 2009-02-10 |
JP2004507334A (en) | 2004-03-11 |
ES2316466T3 (en) | 2009-04-16 |
EP1328325A1 (en) | 2003-07-23 |
WO2002020105A1 (en) | 2002-03-14 |
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