Odd-shaped three-dimensional logical puzzles

Abstract

A method used to convert easily any given odd-shaped solid into perfectly interfitting elements to create three-dimensional puzzles. The method is based on steps producing mobile elements, carrying elements and optionally a center element and implementing holding means, retaining means and translating-rotating motions. Procedures also explain how to add secret compartment features to the odd-shaped puzzle family. This method and procedures can create extremely challenging, and aesthetic three-dimensional puzzles having shifting and optionally sliding features. This method and procedures work with odd-shaped solids, spherical solids and polyhedral solids of any kind.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention relates generally to three-dimensional logical puzzles and, in particular, to a method of creating three-dimensional logical puzzles having odd, irregular or asymmetrical shapes.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The prior art of shifting-movement puzzles includes regular, semi-regular and irregular polyhedra. There are numerous types of polyhedron-based puzzles known in the art. Most of the prior art polyhedron puzzles are based on the five platonic solids and are of very moderate complexity.[0003]Also known in the art are ball-shaped or spherical puzzles. Spherical puzzles created by dividing a sphere based on a guiding regular polyhedron, i.e. by defining outer spherical sections by dividing the sphere parallel to a guiding polyhedron to create overlapping spherical sections on the sphere, are proposed by Applicant in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 738,673 (Paquette) entitled “Three-Dimensional Logical Puzzles”, which was filed on Apr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]An object of the present invention is to provide an easy, straightforward method for converting odd-shaped solids into challenging, entertaining and aesthetically pleasing three-dimensional puzzles having shiftable elements (and optionally also having superimposed slidable elements).

[0013]The novel method disclosed herein can thus be used to efficiently create any number of challenging odd-shaped puzzles. For the purposes of the present specification, the expression “odd-shaped puzzle” shall mean any puzzle having a shape or structure that is in at least some respect asymmetrical or irregular. For example, odd-shaped puzzles can be made of shapes like a human head, a milk carton, a football, a bottle, a container, a fruit, a vegetable, an animal, a three-dimensional version of a cartoon character, a statue, a building, a vehicle, or virtually any conceivable object.

[0015]This novel method can also be extended to create odd-shaped puzzles having secret hollow compartments. The carrying elements and the mobile puzzle elements can together define a secluded hollow compartment accessible only by manipulating the carrying elements and the mobile puzzle elements into a solution configuration that unlocks the puzzle.

[0016]Therefore, the novel technology disclosed in the present disclosure enables the straightforward creation of a broad range of aesthetically pleasing and challenging odd-shaped puzzles that are particularly useful as promotional vehicles, especially for the products that they resemble.

Problems solved by technology

Most of the prior art polyhedron puzzles are based on the five platonic solids and are of very moderate complexity.

A spherical puzzle created by this method is highly challenging, entertaining and aesthetically pleasing.

Also known in the art are a few odd-shaped puzzles, such as a human head for example, but these are of a low difficulty level due to the complexity of the shape division involved.

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