Pentagonal module puzzle

Abstract

A pentagonal module puzzle includes a plurality of pentagonal modules connected by hinges into a continuous loop. Each pentagonal module includes at least one magnet. The pentagonal modules include mirror image pentagonal modules connected by hinges in an alternating order. The magnet of each pentagonal module has a different polarity than the magnet of each adjacent pentagonal module in the alternating order.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 285,049, filed December 1, 2021, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of toys and puzzles. BACKGROUND

[0004] Puzzles have enjoyed cross-generational appeal as games, toys, teaching aids, therapeutic devices, and the like. Such puzzles can be configured between different geometric configurations, as shown, for example, in British Patent Application No. GB2,107,200 to Asano and U.S. Patent No. 6,264,199 Bl to Schaedel. As taught in the prior art, the properties of any particular polyhedral puzzle are highly specific to the geometry and hinged arrangement of the particular puzzle. For example, the folding puzzle taught in Schaedel teaches a folding puzzle composed of twenty-four identical isosceles tetrahedral bodies, each formed of four triangular faces having angles of approximately 70.53°, 54.74°, and 54.74°. The tetrahedrons are joined to one another at their base (longest) edges and can be manipulated into a rhombic dodecahedron “in many different ways.” However, Schaedel does not teach any other geometric shape capable of being achieved in many different ways. In fact, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, there are seemingly infinite different combinations of variables in such puzzles, including: the number of faces and edges of the polyhedrons, the interior angles and edge lengths of the polyhedrons, the number of polyhedrons, whether all the polyhedrons are identical, how the polyhedrons are ordered, the location of the hinges between the polyhedrons, and other variables. Moreover, due to such seemingly infinite combinations of variables and unpredictable interrelationships between changes in variables, even a slight change in one variable can typically alter the properties of the entire puzzle in ways that are detrimental to the function of the puzzle itself.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for new puzzles having different geometric shapes and exciting new properties. SUMMARY

[0006] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a pentahedron module puzzle comprising a plurality (e.g., sixteen) of pentahedron modules hingedly connected in a continuous loop, wherein each pentahedron module comprises at least one magnet (e.g., a plurality of magnets).

[0007] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides pentagonal module puzzles comprising a plurality of pentagonal modules connected by a plurality of hinges into a continuous loop, wherein each pentagonal module comprises at least one magnet, wherein each of the plurality of pentagonal modules has two isosceles triangular faces, and wherein sequential hinges of the plurality of hinges have a perpendicular orientation such that the plurality of pentagonal modules can be manipulated into different multiples of a geometrically similar shape.

[0008] In any embodiment, the plurality of pentagonal modules can comprise mirror image pentagonal modules connected in an alternating sequence by hinges, wherein the plurality of magnets of each pentagonal module have a different polarity than the plurality of magnets of each adjacent pentagonal module in the alternating sequence.

[0009] In any embodiment, sequential hinges of the plurality of hinges can have a perpendicular orientation.

[0010] In any embodiment, each pentagonal module comprises two isosceles triangular faces, e.g., right isosceles triangular faces.

[0011] In any embodiment, each pentagonal module can comprise one, two, three, four, or more magnets, each of which is disposed adjacent a different face of the pentagonal module.

[0012] In any embodiment, each of the pentagonal modules can comprise a lid and a housing enclosing a cavity, wherein a first recess is formed in a first inner surface of the cavity, the first recess at least partially bounded by a stop and receiving a first magnet therein.

[0013] In any embodiment, each of the pentagonal modules can comprise a first clamping block extending away from a second inner surface of the cavity, the first clamping block having a magnet abutment surface at a distal end thereof, wherein the magnet abutment surface is positioned adjacent the first magnet.

[0014] In any embodiment, each of the pentagonal modules can comprise a second recess formed in a third inner surface of the cavity, the second recess at least partially bounded by a retaining portion extending away from the third inner surface and retaining a second magnet of the plurality of magnets in the second recess.

[0015] In any embodiment, each of the pentagonal modules can comprise a second clamping block extending away from a second inner surface of the cavity, wherein the second clamping block extends into the second recess and retains the second magnet in the second recess.

[0016] In any embodiment, each of the pentahedral modules can include a third recess formed in a fourth inner surface of the cavity, the third recess at least partially defined by a second stopper, and receiving a third magnet therein.

[0017] In any embodiment, each of the pentahedral modules can include a boss on a second inner surface of the cavity, wherein the boss includes a fourth recess receiving a fourth magnet therein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] Representative embodiments are described with reference to the following drawings on which, unless otherwise indicated, like numerals refer to similar parts throughout the various views.

[0019] Figure 1A Perspective views of a pentahedral module puzzle in three different configurations at three different points in time, wherein each configuration includes a different number of geometrically similar shapes, are shown in accordance with one representative embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 1B Perspective views of a pentahedral module puzzle in four different configurations at four different points in time, wherein each configuration includes a different number of geometrically similar shapes, are shown in accordance with one representative embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1A

[0021] Figure 2 Perspective views of a pentahedral module puzzle in four different configurations at four different points in time, wherein each configuration includes a different number of geometrically similar shapes, are shown in accordance with one representative embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 3 Perspective views of a pentahedral module puzzle in another configuration are shown in accordance with one representative embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1A Figure 1B

[0023] Figure 4 Perspective views of a pentahedral module puzzle in another configuration are shown in accordance with one representative embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3

[0024] Figure 5A Perspective views of a pentahedral module puzzle in another configuration are shown in accordance with one representative embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1A

[0025] Figure 5B Perspective views of a pentahedral module puzzle in another configuration are shown in accordance with one representative embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5A

[0026] Figure 5C Perspective views of a pentahedral module puzzle in another configuration are shown in accordance with one representative embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5A

[0027] Figure 5D Perspective views of a pentahedral module puzzle in another configuration are shown in accordance with one representative embodiment of the present disclosure.​​​​​​​Figure 5A Cross-sectional view of a pentahedral module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The present disclosure provides a pentahedral modular puzzle (interchangeably referred to herein as a "puzzle") comprising hingedly connected polyhedral modules (e.g., pentahedral modules), each of which has specific geometric properties. Each pentahedral module is hingedly connected to two other pentahedral modules in a transformation, and optionally has structural features that implement unique functions and / or exhibit unique properties.

[0029] Figure 1A An example of a pentahedral modular puzzle 100 (hereinafter referred to as a puzzle for the sake of brevity) according to a representative embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Before describing the details of the individual elements of the puzzle 100, high-level features and properties will first be described.

[0030] As shown and described herein, puzzle 100 comprises a plurality of pentahedral modules flexibly connected by hinges into a continuous ring. This structure enables puzzle 100 to be manipulated into many different configurations. In particular, Figure 1A The same puzzle 100 is shown in three different configurations at three different points in time. Unlike known puzzles, puzzle 100 comprises pentahedral modules arranged in a specific order and having specific properties that create exciting new properties.

[0031] An important new property of puzzle 100 is the "scaling" property, that is, the ability to be manipulated into different multiples of a geometrically similar shape. This property arises from the geometry of each module, the number of modules, and the placement of the hinges between them. For example, in some embodiments, each of the modules has two isosceles triangular faces, and wherein sequential hinges in the plurality of hinges have a perpendicular orientation, such that a pentahedral module can be manipulated into different multiples of a geometrically similar shape.

[0032] For example, Figure 1A As shown in FIG, puzzle 100 can be manipulated into a single rhombic hexedra 102, a set of two hexahedrons 104, and a set of four hexahedrons 106, all of which are geometrically similar but of different absolute side lengths (in this case, they are congruent except for their proportions). That is, hexahedron 102 has a side length of X, each of the two hexahedrons 104 has a side length of 0.5X, and each of the four hexahedrons 106 has a side length of 0.25X.

[0033] This "scaling" property is not only novel and attractive, but it also enables puzzle 100 to be used as an aid in teaching concepts such as logarithms, exponents, and volume. For example, if a single hexahedron 102 represents 20 then the set of two hexahedra 104 represents 2 1 then the set of four hexahedra 106 represents 2 2 As another example, the hexahedron 102, the set of two hexahedra 104, and the set of four hexahedra 106 each have the same volume (each formed from a common set of space-filling pentahedron modules). Moreover, the edges of each of the hexahedron 102, the set of two hexahedra 104, and the set of four hexahedra 106 have the same perimeter.

[0034] To illustrate that the scaling property is not limited to rhombic hexahedra, Figure 1B The same puzzle 100 is shown being manipulated into a scaled number of geometrically similar isosceles triangular pentahedra. Specifically, the puzzle 100 can be manipulated into a single isosceles triangular pentahedron 108, a set of four pentahedra 110, a set of eight pentahedra 112, or a set of sixteen pentahedra 114. Each of the pentahedra 108, 110, 112, and 114 are geometrically similar (i.e., have the same edge length ratio). Moreover, the single isosceles pentahedron 108, the set of four pentahedra 110, the set of eight pentahedra 112, and the set of sixteen pentahedra 114 have a common volume and have edges of a common perimeter. The edge length ratio is established by the dimensions of the basic pentahedron module 116 (i.e., each of the sixteen pentahedra 114). Details of the pentahedron module are described below.

[0035] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of pentahedron modules has two isosceles triangular faces, and wherein the sequential ones of the plurality of hinges have a perpendicular orientation such that the plurality of pentahedron modules can be manipulated into different multiples of a geometrically similar shape.

[0036] Figure 2 Another pentahedron module puzzle 200 is shown that is identical to the puzzle 100 of Figure 1A As shown, another important new property of the puzzle 200 is the ability of a user to manipulate its structure into a large number of visually and haptically appealing space-filling shapes. A sampling of such shapes is shown in Figure 2 including a cube 202a and a trilobed polyhedron 202b with at least two of the lobes having isosceles triangular faces, a non-cubic rhombic prism 202c, and a concave hexagonal prism 202d (i.e., an arrowhead prism)— the latter three of which are not heretofore available with known puzzles.

[0037] Yet another attractive new attribute is the ability of the puzzle 100 to realize the cube 202a in more than one different way. That is, the puzzle 100 can realize the cube 202a in a first way in which the outside of the cube 202a is composed of certain faces of the underlying pentahedron modules and in a second way in which the outside of the cube 202a is composed of at least some different faces of the underlying pentahedron modules.

[0038] The foregoing attributes and configurations represent only advantages realized through the particular geometry and arrangement of the pentahedron modules of the puzzle 200, details of which will now be described.

[0039] Figure 3 A puzzle 300 having the same construction as the puzzles 100, 200 is shown. The puzzle 300 is formed from a plurality of pentahedron modules 330a-330p (hereinafter, modules). In the illustrated embodiment, the modules 330a are congruent pentahedrons and each module has Figure 4 the geometry detailed in

[0040] The representative puzzle 300 includes sixteen modules 330a-330p, although other embodiments can include a greater number of modules by dividing one or more of the modules 330a-330p into sub-polyhedrons. For example, one embodiment can divide each of the modules 330a-330p into two separate complementary polyhedrons that, when combined, have the same pentahedron shape as the respective module 330a-330p. Thus, such an embodiment would include 32 pentahedrons. In this manner, the present disclosure also includes puzzles that include 32, 48, or more pentahedrons that are multiples of 16.

[0041] The modules 330a-330p are hingedly connected into a continuous loop by hinges 332a-332p. Due to the geometry of each module, which is detailed in Figure 4 , the sequential hinges have a perpendicular orientation with respect to one another.

[0042] In particular, each of the modules 330a-330p is hingedly connected to two adjacent ones of the modules 330a-330p by two of the hinges 332a-332p. For example, the hinge 332a hingedly connects a first edge of the module 330a to a corresponding first edge of the mirrored module 330b. Similarly, the hinge 332b hingedly connects a second edge of the module 330b to a corresponding edge of the mirror 330c.

[0043] The hinges enable the pentahedron modules to be manipulated with respect to one another so that the puzzle can realize different configurations, such as Figures 1A-1B a scaled configuration of Figure 2The configurations shown in the middle and additional configurations, while the entire puzzle is still a single device, rather than a partial assortment of incompatible parts.

[0044] The pentahedral modules of the puzzle described herein are typically assembled such that corresponding edges (directly adjacent edges) of adjacent pentahedral modules abut or have a spacing of less than 1 mm, e.g., 0.5 mm. This is evident from Figure 3 Figure 3 Puzzle 300 is shown along with representative hinged connections between adjacent polyhedra.

[0045] Hinges 332a-332p can take many different forms. In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown in the middle, each of hinges 332a-332p is a decal or sticker applied to faces of at least two adjacent pentahedral modules (e.g., mirror image faces of adjacent modules) such that the hinge extends directly from one of the modules to the other. For example, referring to Figure 3 Hinge 332b is a decal applied to at least the adjacent mirror image faces of modules 330a and 330b, thus hingedly connecting the adjacent modules. In some such embodiments, the decal can include more than one hinge. For example, in one embodiment, a single continuous decal is applied to modules 330a-330p and thus includes at least hinges 332a-332p. Representative hinges of this configuration are described in detail in U.S. Patent Nos. 10,569,185 and 10,918,964 to Hoenigschmid, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

[0046] In other embodiments, the hinges are integrally formed with the modules (e.g., living hinges) and extend directly from one of the modules to an adjacent module. In such embodiments, the hinges can be formed as flexible polymer bands of the same or similar material as the outer housing of the modules. For example, referring to Figure 3 If hinge 332b has such a configuration, it would be integrally formed with modules 330b, 330c as at least one polymer band extending between modules 330b, 330c (e.g., directly between their adjacent edges), thereby coupling the adjacent modules along those adjacent edges. Representative hinges of this configuration are described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 11,358,070, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0047] ​In yet other embodiments, the hinges are formed as one or more internal flexible straps (e.g., thin flexible polymer or fabric straps) that extend between adjacent modules and are configured to be anchored within the interior cavities of the adjacent polyhedrons. For example, referring to Figure 3 If the hinges 332b have such a configuration, a portion of the hinges 332b will be anchored within the interior cavity of the module 330b, and another portion of the hinges 332b will be anchored within the interior cavity of 332c, thereby coupling adjacent modules along the adjacent corresponding edges. Representative hinges of this configuration are described in detail in PCT Publication No. WO 2022 / 030285, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0048] In any embodiment, more than one hinge can extend between adjacent edges of adjacent modules. The foregoing hinge structures are representative, rather than limiting.

[0049] As an optional feature, each of the modules 330a-330p can be provided with one or more magnets positioned and polarized (e.g., within the cavity of each module) to stabilize the puzzle 300 in different configurations, such as the zoom configuration shown in Figures 1A-2 A representative magnet configuration is described in detail below in Figures 4-5D In some embodiments, each of the pentahedron modules includes one, two, three, four, or more magnets, each of which is arranged adjacent to a different face of the pentahedron module.

[0050] In Figure 3 each of the modules 330a-330p is provided with a “+” or “-” to indicate the polarity of the magnets contained within. For example, the modules 330a, 330c, 330e, 330g, 330i, 330k, 330m, 330o are pentahedron modules of a first type or “Type 1” that have a “+” sign indicating that the magnets arranged within have a first (e.g., positive) polarity. On the other hand, the modules 330b, 330d, 330f, 330h, 330j, 330l, 330n, 330p are pentahedron modules of a second type or “Type 2” that are mirror images of the Type 1 modules and have a “-” sign indicating that the magnets arranged within have a different second (e.g., negative) polarity. Since the mirror image modules 330a-330p are connected by hinges in an alternating order, and each order of pentahedron modules has a different polarity, adjacent modules can magnetically couple to each other, thereby stabilizing the puzzle 300 in many configurations, such as those shown in Figures 1A-2

[0051] In Figure 3 ​In the example, a "+" or "-" sign is placed on a face that can have a magnet positioned adjacent thereto such that the magnetic field from the magnet extends through the face. As shown, the magnets are positioned and polarized within the module such that the hinged faces of adjacent modules can magnetically couple when positioned adjacent to each other.

[0052] The following is about Figures 5A-5D Representative structures for positioning magnets are described. Additional representative structures for positioning magnets adjacent to a face include those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 10,569,185 and 10,918,964 and U.S. Patent Publication No. US2022 / 0047960, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0053] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment, each of the modules 330a-330p has a magnet of a single polarity. However, in other embodiments, at least some of the modules have magnets of two polarities, particularly if the polarity of each magnet is opposite to the polarity of the magnet of the corresponding face of the hinged module. Thus, Figure 3 The arrangements shown in are representative and not limiting.

[0054] In addition, despite Figure 3 A single "+" or "-" symbol is shown for each module, but such a symbol can represent more than one magnet, i.e., some embodiments include more than one magnet positioned adjacent to each face, for example, two or three magnets per face. Such a configuration can increase the magnetic force between adjacent modules. In fact, a single face of a single module can have magnets of two polarities, for example, if each magnet has a polarity opposite to that of the corresponding magnet on the adjacent hinged module.

[0055] Figure 4 Shown Figures 1A-3 Schematic two-dimensional projection of a pentahedral module 430 of the pentahedral module puzzle. The geometry of the pentahedral module 430 is the same as every other pentahedral module in the puzzle.

[0056] As shown, the pentahedral module 430 has five faces 432a-432e and nine edges 436a-436i, including three rectangular faces 432a-432c and two right-angled isosceles triangular faces 432d-432e arranged on opposite sides of face 432b. The nine edges 436a-436i have two or three side lengths as indicated by the legend 434. Specifically, each of the two isosceles triangular faces 432d, 432e (e.g., right-angled isosceles triangular faces) has two sides with a length of X and one side with a length of X√(2). Figure 4In the embodiment where the triangular faces 432d, 432e are right isosceles triangles, the puzzle can be realized. Figure 2 The cube configuration shown in .

[0057] In the depicted embodiment, sides 436g, 436h, 436i (indicated by the chevron symbol) also each have a side length X (similar to sides 436a, 436b, 436c, and 436d). While these three sides generally have the same side length X, in other embodiments, the relative lengths of sides 436g, 436h, 436i may not be equal to the lengths of sides 436a, 436b, 436c, and 436d. It should be understood that because side 436g has the same side length as sides 436h-436i, each of the right-angled isosceles triangle faces 432d-432d extends perpendicularly from face 432b (and is parallel to each other).

[0058] Will Figure 3 and Figure 4 By comparison, it can be seen that the puzzle's hinges are consistently arranged along two perpendicular sides of each pentahedral module. For example, in one embodiment, the hinges may be arranged along side 436b and side 436h. In another embodiment, the hinges may be arranged along side 436d and side 436h. In another embodiment, the hinges may be arranged along side 436a and side 436i. In yet another embodiment, the hinges may be arranged along side 436c and side 436i. Advantageously, this perpendicular hinge placement facilitates manipulation of the puzzle.

[0059] As previously mentioned, each pentahedral module 430 may optionally be provided with one or more magnets, for example, using the method described below. Figures 5A-5D The structure described in Figure 4 In FIG. 4 , the pentahedral module 430 is provided with five magnets 438 a - 438 e , where 438 a - 438 e represent one or more magnets disposed adjacent to each of the five faces.

[0060] In some embodiments, at least some of the magnets are positioned adjacent to a face having a hinge connected thereto (e.g., Figure 3 ), so that the mirrored faces of the hinged modules are magnetically coupled. For example, in one embodiment, pentahedral module 430 includes magnets 438a-438d, but does not include magnet 438a. In another embodiment, pentahedral module 430 includes magnets 438a-438c and magnet 438e, but does not include magnet 438d.

[0061] In some embodiments, at least some of the magnets are positioned and polarized so that the mirror-image faces of the non-hinged polyhedrons magnetically couple when positioned adjacent to each other. For example, referring briefly to Figure 3 , magnets can be arranged on the inner isosceles surfaces of modules 330c and 330p so that these surfaces can be arranged in certain configurations (such as Figure 2 202c configuration shown in ).

[0062] although Figure 4 Each face of the pentahedral module 430 is shown having at least one magnet disposed adjacent to that face, but the present disclosure contemplates that in some embodiments, some faces of some modules do not include any magnets positioned adjacent thereto. Reducing the number of magnets can advantageously reduce manufacturing costs.

[0063] Figure 5A Shown is the corresponding Figure 3 Each of the modules 330a-330p and having Figure 4 5. Module 530 includes a housing 540 and a cover 542. Housing 540 may be formed from a molded polymer such as high-density and low-density polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS, ABS), polyester (PET), or other suitable durable and safe materials.

[0064] The housing 540 is an isosceles triangular prism (e.g., a right isosceles triangular prism) with an open end, an upper plate 544, a lower plate 546, and two side plates 548, 550. The upper plate 544 and the lower plate 546 are right isosceles triangles with a base angle of 45 °. The two side plates 548, 550 connect the upper plate 544 and the lower plate 546 to form an opening, and the cover 542 is sized and configured to be installed in the opening. Therefore, the upper plate 544, the lower plate 546, the two side plates 548, 550, and the cover 542 can be assembled together to form a module, and the plate, the cover, and its face define the cavity 552 therein. In other embodiments, any one of the faces of the module 530 can be a removable cover.

[0065] The module 530 has a plurality of magnets disposed therein. The structure for retaining the magnets adjacent each of the side plates 548, 550 will now be described.

[0066] In any embodiment, the housing is provided with one or more grooves formed in or on the inner surface of the cavity, the grooves being at least partially defined by the stop blocks and receiving the magnets therein. Figure 5B , the side plate 548 is provided with a recess or groove 554 formed in an inner surface thereof, and a stop block 556 extends partially around the circumference of the groove 554 in a U-shape.

[0067] Briefly referring to Figure 5D The stop block 556 forms a clamping block 560 that is configured to limit movement of the magnet 558 within the recess 554. An end of the clamping block 560 extends downward away from the stop block 556 to form a limiting block 562, further preventing movement of the magnet 558. The clamping block 560, the limiting block 562, and the recess 554 collectively enclose the magnet 558 with the aid of additional clamping blocks (described below). The opposing side panel 550 is provided with similar recesses, clamping blocks, and limiting blocks that collectively serve to retain a magnet within it.

[0068] In any embodiment, the housing of each of the sixteen pentagonal modules includes a clamping block extending away from an inner surface of the cavity, the clamping block having a magnet abutment surface at a distal end thereof, wherein the magnet abutment surface is positioned adjacent to a first magnet. For example, referring to Figure 5C The cover 542 is provided with two clamping blocks 572a, 572b and a third recess 566 that is sized to receive a magnet 568.

[0069] The clamping block 572a includes a base 574a extending away from an inner surface of the cover plate 570 and a protrusion 576a extending upward from an upper end of the base 574a. A magnet abutment surface 578a (referred to simply as a magnet abutment surface) is disposed at a distal end of the clamping block 572a, between the protrusion 576a and the upper end of the base 574a. The magnet abutment surface 578a is an inclined plane relative to the cover 542. Each magnet abutment surface 578a, 578b is configured to be positioned adjacent to one of the plurality of recesses of the housing. Similarly, the clamping block 572b includes a base 574b, a protrusion 576b, and a magnet abutment surface 578b.

[0070] Accordingly, each recess (e.g., 554 and 566) is equipped (or configured to be equipped) with a magnet positioned adjacent to a corresponding face. For example, referring to Figure 5D The magnet 558 is positioned and retained adjacent to the side panel 548 by the clamping block 560 and the limiting block 562. The magnet abutment surface 578a abuts the magnet 558, the protrusion 576a and the stop block 556 enclose an upper end of the magnet 558, and the base 574a and the sidewall of the recess 554 enclose a lower end of the magnet 558.

[0071] Accordingly, the module 530 of the present disclosure forms a first containment recess by arranging clamping blocks, limiting blocks, and recesses on the side panel, and a magnet is contained therein. Advantageously, this structure facilitates securing the magnet on the inclined side panel 550 and ensures stability of the magnet 558.

[0072] The structure for retaining magnets adjacent each of the upper plate 544 and the lower plate 546 will now be described.

[0073] In any embodiment, the housing of each of the sixteen pentahedral modules is provided with a groove formed in or on the inner surface of the cavity, the groove being at least partially defined by a retaining portion extending away from the inner surface and retaining the magnet in the groove. Figure 5B , the upper plate 544 has a second receiving groove 564a formed therein. Similarly, as Figure 5A As best shown in FIG, the lower plate 546 is provided with a second receiving groove 564b. Since the respective second receiving grooves 564a, 564b of the upper plate 544 and the lower plate 546 have the same structural design, only one such structure will be described in detail herein.

[0074] like Figure 5B As best shown in FIG, the upper plate 544 is provided with a latching slot 582 and retaining portions 584 extending away from the inner surface of the upper plate 544, with the retaining portions being provided on either side of the latching slot. The top ends of the two retaining portions 584 (i.e., the ends disposed away from the corresponding inner surfaces) are respectively bent in the direction of the centerline of the upper plate 544. Thus, the two retaining portions 584 surround the second receiving groove 564a.

[0075] In any embodiment, each of the sixteen pentahedral modules includes a second clamping block extending away from the inner surface of the cavity, wherein the second clamping block extends into the groove and retains the magnet therein. For example, again referring to Figure 5C , the cover 542 is provided with two second clamping blocks 580a, 580b. When the cover 542 is assembled with the housing 540, as shown in FIG. Figure 5D As shown in FIG, the locating posts of the second clamping blocks 580a, 580b are inserted into the corresponding recesses 564a, 564b of the lower plate 546 and the upper plate 544, thereby securing the corresponding magnets therein.

[0076] Advantageously, because the second receiving grooves 564a, 564b and the second clamping blocks 580a, 580b are linear and planar, the two clamping blocks and grooves can better confine and stabilize the magnet. In addition, when the housing 540 and the cover 542 are made by injection molding, this design facilitates demoulding of the mold.

[0077] The structure for attaching the cover 542 to the upper plate 544 will now be described.

[0078] First reference Figure 5AThe housing 540 is provided with a plurality of annular securing portions, such as 586a, 586b, which can be secured to the upper plate 544, the lower plate 546, the side plates 548, and / or the side plates 550. Each securing portion 586a, 586b is provided with a respective securing recess 588a, 588b therein.

[0079] As best shown in FIG. 5B, the cover 542 is provided with a plurality of securing posts 590a, 590b, which are complementary to the securing recesses 588a. Thus, when the cover 542 and the housing 540 are coupled together, each securing post 590a is inserted into a respective securing recess 588a. The securing posts 590a and the securing recesses 588a are preferably a transition fit or an interference fit. In the illustrated embodiment, there are four securing portions and four corresponding securing posts; however, there can be more or fewer in different embodiments. Figure 5C

[0080] The structure for holding the magnets adjacent to the cover 542 will now be described.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 5B, Figure 5C A boss 592 is provided at the center of the cover 542, whereby the boss 592 surrounds the recess 566. Reiterating, the recess 566 is formed in the boss 592. The magnet 568 can be secured in the recess 566 by a transition fit, or it can be secured in other ways, such as by sealing a cover plate to the opening of the recess 566, thereby sealing the magnet 568 in the recess 566.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 5B, Figure 5D The outer end of each side plate 548, 550 (i.e., the end disposed toward the cover 542) is provided with a limiting buttress 594, and the outer side of the limiting buttress 594 (i.e., the side facing the opening) abuts the cover 542. Thus, the position between the cover 542 and the housing 540 can be limited and secured by the limiting buttresses 594.

[0083] The representative embodiments of the present application can be implemented in any of numerous ways, and are not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0084] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, or intervening elements can be present. The terms "upper," "lower," "side," "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions are used herein for illustrative purposes only.

[0085] ​Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The terminology used in the description of the disclosure herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used in this text, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Claims

1. A pentagonal module puzzle comprising: sixteen pentagonal modules connected in a continuous ring in a mirrored alternating order by a plurality of hinges, wherein an order hinge of the plurality of hinges has a vertical orientation, wherein each pentagonal module comprises a plurality of magnets, wherein each of the sixteen pentagonal modules comprises a molded polymer shell enclosing a cavity and a molded polymer cover, wherein the cover of each of the sixteen pentagonal modules is affixed to an opening of the shell, thereby enclosing the cavity, wherein a first recess of a first interior surface of the cavity of each of the sixteen pentagonal modules receives a first magnet of the plurality of magnets, wherein the first interior surface of the cavity of each of the sixteen pentagonal modules comprises a detent extending at least partially around a circumference of the first recess, and wherein the sixteen pentagonal modules are configured to be scaled into different multiples of a geometrically similar hexahedron and a geometrically similar pentahedron.

2. The pentagonal module puzzle of claim 1, wherein, each of the sixteen pentagonal modules comprises two isosceles triangular faces.

3. The pentagonal module puzzle of claim 1, wherein, each of the sixteen pentagonal modules comprises nine edges, wherein four of the nine edges have an edge length of one unit, wherein two of the nine edges have an edge length of √2 units, and wherein the remaining three of the nine edges each have a same edge length.

4. The pentomino puzzle of claim 2, wherein, for each of the sixteen pentagonal modules, the plurality of magnets comprises four magnets each disposed adjacent to a different face of the pentagonal module.

5. The pentagonal module puzzle of claim 4, wherein, at least one magnet of the plurality of magnets of each of the sixteen pentagonal modules has a different polarity than at least one magnet of the plurality of magnets of each adjacent pentagonal module in the alternating order.

6. The pentomino puzzle of claim 2, wherein, the shell of each of the sixteen pentagonal modules comprises: an upper plate and a lower plate each defining one of the two isosceles triangular faces; and two side plates connecting the upper plate and the lower plate, wherein each of the side plates defines a rectangular face of the pentagonal module extending between the two isosceles triangular faces, wherein the cover of each of the sixteen pentagonal modules defines another rectangular face extending between the two isosceles triangular faces, and wherein the first interior surface of the cavity is formed by one of the side plates of the shell.

7. The pentomino puzzle of claim 6, wherein, each of the sixteen pentagonal modules comprises a first clamping block extending away from a second interior surface of the cavity, the first clamping block having a magnet abutment surface at a distal end thereof, wherein the magnet abutment surface is positioned adjacent to the first magnet, wherein the second interior surface of the cavity is formed by the cover, and wherein the magnet abutment surface of the first clamping block extends at an oblique angle relative to the second interior surface.

8. The pentagonal module puzzle of claim 7, wherein, Each of the sixteen pentagonal modules includes a second recess of a third interior surface of the cavity, the second recess defined at least in part by a retaining portion that extends away from the third interior surface and retains a second magnet of the plurality of magnets in the second recess, and wherein the third interior surface of the cavity is formed by one of the upper plate or the lower plate of the housing.

9. The pentomino puzzle of claim 8, wherein, Each of the sixteen pentagonal modules includes a second clamping block that extends away from the second interior surface of the cavity, wherein the second clamping block extends into the second recess and retains the second magnet in the second recess.

10. The pentagonal module puzzle of claim 9, wherein, Each of the sixteen pentagonal modules includes a third recess of a fourth interior surface of the cavity, the third recess defined at least in part by a second stop block and receiving a third magnet of the plurality of magnets.

11. The pentomino puzzle of claim 10, wherein, Each of the sixteen pentagonal modules includes a boss on the second interior surface of the cavity, wherein the boss includes a fourth recess that receives a fourth magnet of the plurality of magnets.

12. The pentomino puzzle of claim 1, wherein, The stop block of the first interior surface of the cavity includes a clamping block and a limiting block that extends from the stop block in a direction away from the first interior surface.

13. The pentomino puzzle of claim 1, wherein, Each of the sixteen pentagonal modules includes a first clamping block that extends away from a second interior surface of the cavity and is positioned adjacent to the first magnet.

14. The pentomino puzzle of claim 13, wherein, Each of the sixteen pentagonal modules includes a second recess of a third interior surface of the cavity, and the second recess retains a second magnet of the plurality of magnets.

15. The pentomino puzzle of claim 14, wherein, Each of the sixteen pentagonal modules includes a second clamping block that extends away from the second interior surface of the cavity and retains the second magnet in the second recess.

16. The pentomino puzzle of claim 15, wherein, Each of the sixteen pentagonal modules includes a third recess of a fourth interior surface of the cavity, and the third recess receives a third magnet of the plurality of magnets.

17. The pentomino puzzle of claim 16, wherein, Each of the sixteen pentagonal modules includes a boss on the second interior surface of the cavity, wherein the boss includes a fourth recess that receives a fourth magnet of the plurality of magnets.

18. The pentomino puzzle of claim 1, wherein, The sixteen pentagonal modules are configured to be manipulated into one rhombic hexahedron, a set of two rhombic hexahedrons, and a set of four rhombic hexahedrons.

19. The pentomino puzzle of claim 2, wherein, For each of the sixteen pentagonal modules, the two isosceles triangles are right isosceles triangles.

20. The pentomino puzzle of claim 1, wherein, The sixteen pentagonal modules are configured to be manipulated into one isosceles triangular pentagon, a set of four isosceles triangular pentagons, a set of eight isosceles triangular pentagons, and a set of sixteen isosceles triangular pentagons.

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