Puzzle set

Abstract

The puzzle set includes a first puzzle and a second puzzle, wherein each of the first and second puzzles is formed by a plurality of polyhedral modules or polyhedrons connected in a continuous loop by a hinge. Each polyhedron includes four faces, six edges, and at least one magnet disposed adjacent to at least one face. The magnetically stable assembly of the first and second puzzles forms at least one convex polyhedron, such as a cube.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 298,722, filed January 12, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein 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 UK Patent Application No. GB 2,107,200 to Asano and U.S. Patent No. 6,264,199 Bl to Schaedel. As taught in the prior art, the characteristics of any particular polyhedral puzzle are highly specific to the geometry and articulation arrangement of that particular puzzle. For example, the folding puzzle taught in Schaedel teaches a folding puzzle composed of twenty-four identical isosceles tetrahedron 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 edges (the longest edges) and can be manipulated into a rhombic dodecahedron “in many different ways.”

[0005] However, Schaedel does not teach any other geometric shape capable of achieving a rhombic dodecahedron in many different ways. In fact, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, there are seemingly infinite 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 polyhedrons are identical, how the polyhedrons are ordered, the location of the hinges between the polyhedrons, and other variables.

[0006] Furthermore, due to this seemingly infinite combination of variables and the unpredictable results resulting from changes in related variable aspects, even a slight change in one variable can typically change the characteristics of the entire puzzle in a way that is damaging to the functionality of the puzzle itself.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for new puzzles having different geometric shapes and exciting new characteristics. SUMMARY

[0008] The present disclosure provides puzzle sets including at least a first puzzle and a second puzzle. According to an aspect, each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle includes a plurality of polyhedral modules or polyhedra connected in a continuous loop by hinges. For each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle, each of the plurality of polyhedra has four faces and six edges. In some embodiments, each of the six edges has a relative edge length of one unit, two units, a square root of two units (V(2) units), or a square root of three units (V(3) units). Each of the plurality of polyhedra has a plurality of magnets. In some embodiments, at least one, two, three, or four of the faces has at least one of the plurality of magnets disposed adjacent thereto.

[0009] According to another aspect, a puzzle set includes a first puzzle and a second puzzle. Each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle includes a plurality of polyhedra connected in a continuous loop by hinges, and each polyhedron includes four faces and six edges, and at least one magnet disposed adjacent at least one of the four faces. A first assembly of the first puzzle and the second puzzle forms a convex polyhedron, wherein in the first assembly, the first puzzle is magnetically coupled to the second puzzle.

[0010] In any embodiment, the first assembly of the first puzzle and the second puzzle can form a convex polyhedron, wherein in the first assembly, the first puzzle is magnetically coupled to the second puzzle.

[0011] In any embodiment, in the first assembly, the first puzzle and the second puzzle are in a congruent configuration.

[0012] In any embodiment, for each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle, the plurality of magnets of each alternate polyhedron of the continuous loop can have a first polarity, and the plurality of magnets of each remaining polyhedron of the continuous loop can have a second, opposite polarity.

[0013] In any embodiment, the convex polyhedron can be a cube.

[0014] In any embodiment, a second assembly of the first puzzle and the second puzzle can form a concave polyhedron, wherein in the second assembly, the first puzzle is magnetically coupled to the second puzzle.

[0015] In any embodiment, the concave polyhedron can be characterized by a hexagonal outline and six peaks.

[0016] In any embodiment, in the second assembly, the first puzzle and the second puzzle can be in a congruent configuration.

[0017] In any embodiment, the third assembly of the first puzzle and the second puzzle can form a concave polyhedron, wherein in the third assembly, the first puzzle and the second puzzle can be in a congruent configuration, wherein in the third assembly, the first puzzle is magnetically coupled to the second puzzle.

[0018] In any embodiment, the six edges of each polyhedron can comprise (e.g., consist of): a first edge having a length of two units, a second and third edge having a length of a square root of three (√(3)) units, a fourth and fifth edge having a length of a square root of two (√(2)) units, and a sixth edge having a length of one unit.

[0019] In any embodiment, each polyhedron of the plurality of polyhedra can have a tetrahedron shape.

[0020] In any embodiment, each polyhedron of the plurality of polyhedra can be congruent to each other polyhedron of the plurality of polyhedra.

[0021] In any embodiment, the plurality of polyhedra can consist of twelve polyhedra connected by hinges in a continuous ring.

[0022] In any embodiment, the hinges can comprise bridge bands, each bridge band extending from one polyhedron of the plurality of polyhedra to an adjacent polyhedron of the plurality of polyhedra.

[0023] In any embodiment, for each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle, each of the hinges can connect one of the six edges of one polyhedron of the plurality of polyhedra to the same edge of the six edges of another polyhedron of the plurality of polyhedra.

[0024] In any embodiment, for each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle, each of the hinges can connect a first polyhedron of the plurality of polyhedra to a second polyhedron of the plurality of polyhedra such that a first face of the six faces of the first polyhedron is configured to reversibly abut a first face of the six faces of the second polyhedron, wherein at least one magnet disposed adjacent to the first face of the first polyhedron has an opposite polarity to at least one magnet disposed adjacent to the first face of the second polyhedron.

[0025] In any embodiment, for each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle, each of the hinges can connect a first polyhedron to a second polyhedron such that a second face of the six faces of the first polyhedron is configured to toggle about a bridge band to abut a second face of the six faces of the second polyhedron, wherein at least one magnet disposed adjacent to the second face of the first polyhedron has an opposite polarity to at least one magnet disposed adjacent to the second face of the second polyhedron.

[0026] In any embodiment, for each of the first and second puzzles, the first polyhedron can be connected to a third polyhedron in the plurality of polyhedra by another bridge band such that a third face of the six faces of the first polyhedron is configured to elbow around the another bridge band to abut a fourth face of the six faces of the third polyhedron, wherein the at least one magnet disposed adjacent to the third face of the first polyhedron has an opposite polarity to the at least one magnet disposed adjacent to the fourth face of the third polyhedron.

[0027] In any embodiment, for each of the first and second puzzles, the first polyhedron can be connected to a third polyhedron by another bridge band such that a fourth face of the six faces of the first polyhedron is configured to elbow around the another bridge band to abut a third face of the six faces of the third polyhedron, wherein the at least one magnet disposed adjacent to the fourth face of the first polyhedron has an opposite polarity to the at least one magnet disposed adjacent to the third face of the third polyhedron.

[0028] In any embodiment, for each of the first and second puzzles, the first face of the first polyhedron can be congruent to the first face of the second polyhedron, and the second face of the first polyhedron can be congruent to the second face of the second polyhedron. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views.

[0030] FIG. 1A A puzzle set is shown in accordance with representative embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 1B A perspective view of a puzzle set is shown in accordance with representative embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1A

[0032] FIG. 2 A perspective view of a puzzle of a puzzle set is shown in accordance with representative embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the geometry of a polyhedron of a puzzle. FIG. 2

[0034] A perspective view of a puzzle of a puzzle set is shown in accordance with representative embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4A FIG. 2 A perspective view of a puzzle of a puzzle set is shown in accordance with representative embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 4B A perspective view of a puzzle of a puzzle set is shown in accordance with representative embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 4C A perspective view of a puzzle of a puzzle set is shown in accordance with representative embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] ​​FIG. 4D a right view thereof is shown.

[0038] FIG. 5A a perspective view of the puzzle set is shown. FIG. 1A a perspective view of the puzzle set is shown.

[0039] FIG. 5B a top view thereof is shown.

[0040] FIG. 5C a front view thereof is shown.

[0041] FIG. 5D a right view thereof is shown

[0042] FIG. 6A a perspective view of the puzzle set is shown. FIG. 1A a perspective view of the puzzle set is shown.

[0043] FIG. 6B a top view thereof is shown.

[0044] FIG. 6C a front view thereof is shown.

[0045] FIG. 6D a right view thereof is shown

[0046] FIG. 7A a perspective view of the puzzle set is shown. FIG. 1A a perspective view of the puzzle set is shown.

[0047] FIG. 7B a top view thereof is shown.

[0048] FIG. 7C a front view thereof is shown.

[0049] FIG. 7D a right view thereof is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The following disclosure describes a set comprising at least two hingedly connected magnetic puzzles (hereinafter referred to as puzzles). In any embodiment, each puzzle can have the same configuration as the other puzzle(s) of the set. Each puzzle is formed of hingedly connected polyhedrons, each of which has specific geometric features. Further, each of the polyhedrons is hingedly connected to other polyhedrons of the puzzle, and optionally has structural features that enable unique functionality and / or showcase unique characteristics of the puzzle. The puzzle set can comprise more than two puzzles, for example three, four or more puzzles.

[0051] Each puzzle of the set has a number of solid polyhedral modules or bodies hingedly connected in a continuous ring. These puzzles can be manipulated into a number of different visually and tactilely interesting configurations by performing different sequences of movements. For example, the polyhedra are configured to be manipulated about the ring axis of the continuous ring (i.e., to turn the puzzle inside out) and / or to be fiddled about the hinge means (e.g., bridge bands) connecting adjacent polyhedra. The particular geometry of the polyhedra and the particular hinged relationship defined by the bridge bands enable the puzzles to be manipulated into a plurality of different geometric configurations. Moreover, a plurality of magnets having complementary polarities are disposed throughout the puzzles. Advantageously, the magnets stabilize the puzzles in a plurality of configurations and assemblies.

[0052] FIG. 1A A puzzle set 100 (hereinafter set 100) according to a representative embodiment of the present application is shown. Set 100 includes at least two magnetized puzzles 102a, 102b, each of which is formed of a plurality of polyhedra connected in a continuous ring by hinges. In the embodiments described herein, puzzles 102a, 102b are identical, except that in some embodiments different surface treatments are applied to impart different appearances (e.g., as shown). FIG. 1A That is, puzzles 102a, 102b are identical in construction, geometry, and size. For purposes of aiding understanding, puzzles 102a, 102b have different surface treatments; however, this is optional.

[0053] Each of puzzles 102a, 102b can be independently configured into a variety of configurations, which are achieved by the geometry of the individual polyhedra, the positioning of the hinges between the polyhedra, and the location and polarity of the magnets disposed within or on the polyhedra. These details are described below.

[0054] Uniquely, the particular geometry and hinge placement of each of puzzles 102a, 102b enables the two puzzles 102a, 102b to be joined in assemblies having a number of attractive properties. For example, when the two puzzles 102a, 102b are manipulated by a user into the congruent convex polyhedral configuration (each being a nine-hedron) shown in the middle, puzzles 102a, 102b can be rotated 90 degrees relative to each other, and then placed together to form a FIG. 1A convex polyhedron of 18-hedra shown on the right. FIG. 1B

[0055] Additionally, the placement and polarization of the magnets in each of puzzles 102a, 102b results in the mutual attraction of puzzles 102a, 102b. This mutual attraction (represented by magnetic field 160) magnetically stabilizes the assemblies. Representative magnet placements are described below, and it should be understood that FIG. 1A magnetic field 160 shown in the middle is representative and is not intended to limit the placement or polarity of the magnets within or on puzzles 102a, 102b.​

[0056] Reference is made to FIG. 1B , FIG. 1A The puzzle pieces 102a, 102b are joined together and magnetically stabilized in a first assembly, which is a convex polyhedron, and more particularly a cube. The cube assembly not only has satisfying symmetry and density, but is ideal for the packaging kit 100. As used herein, an “assembly” includes two or more puzzle pieces.

[0057] The kit 100 can be manipulated into a number of additional assemblies, representative selections of which are described below. In some embodiments, the plurality of puzzle pieces can be combined to form a rhombic dodecahedron assembly. As will be appreciated, the kit 100 has the unique property that its puzzle pieces can be configured into two assemblies having congruent shapes, but wherein the individual puzzle pieces in the first assembly have a different configuration than the configuration of the puzzle pieces in the second assembly. See the rhombic dodecahedron assemblies described below. FIG. 6A to FIG. 7D .

[0058] FIG. 2 One transformation puzzle (hereinafter puzzle 202) of a puzzle kit (e.g., kit 100 of FIG. 1) is shown. The puzzle 202 is identical to the puzzle pieces 102a, 102b of the puzzle kit 100 of FIG. 1A , i.e., has the same geometric shape, size, and configuration.

[0059] The puzzle 202 includes a plurality of polyhedrons 204a-l coupled together in a continuous ring about a ring axis 208. Each of the polyhedrons 204a-l is a solid body (optionally having a cavity formed therein) and can be formed of a thermoplastic polymer (e.g., PLA) or other rigid material. For the sake of clarity, the polyhedrons described herein are not limited to being a solid body entirely. In some embodiments, one or more of the polyhedrons can be hollow (i.e., have a cavity therein) and can have one or more cutouts from its volume.

[0060] The polyhedrons 204a-l are hingedly coupled together in an end-to-end configuration (e.g., in a continuous ring) by hinges 206a-l. As described below, the polyhedrons 204a-l are each provided with at least one magnet; the magnets together stabilize the puzzle 202 in various configurations (such as the configurations described in detail in FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D ).

[0061] By manipulating the polyhedrons 204a-l, the puzzle 202 can be positioned into a plurality of different configurations. The figures show representative and non-limiting assembled configurations into which the puzzle 202 can be manipulated, including various regular polyhedrons, irregular polyhedrons, convex polyhedrons, concave polyhedrons, and other polyhedron types.

[0062] To achieve different configurations, the polyhedrons 204a to 204l may be manipulated in different sequences including one or more of the following steps:

[0063] Rotating one or more polyhedrons 204a to 2041 about the ring axis 208 (which tends to turn the puzzle piece 202 "inside out");

[0064] · moving one or more polyhedrons 204a to 204l around hinges 206a to 206l so that different faces of the polyhedrons 204a to 204l abut against each other; or

[0065] • Translate one or more polyhedrons 204a to 2041 relative to each other.

[0066] Unlike known puzzles, the puzzle 202 of the present disclosure utilizes a unique combination of specific geometries and magnets that stabilize the puzzle 100 in a myriad of different shapes.

[0067] Specific features of the representative tile 202 will now be described.

[0068] The puzzle 202 is formed by a continuous ring of twelve hingedly connected polyhedrons 204a to 204l of the same shape (i.e., congruent), each of which is a tetrahedron. Each polyhedron is hingedly connected to two adjacent polyhedrons along a ring axis 208 by two of the hinges 206a to 206l, with each hinge extending from one polyhedron to at least one of the adjacent polyhedrons. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to puzzles having twelve polyhedrons. In some embodiments, each of the polyhedrons 204a to 204l is subdivided into two or more polyhedrons, thereby generating twenty-four or thirty-six polyhedrons connected in a continuous ring by hinges.

[0069] As used herein, the term "congruent" means that two geometric figures (such as two polyhedrons of a single puzzle piece, or the overall shape of an assembly such as two puzzle pieces) are the same in shape and size. This includes situations where one of the geometric figures is a mirror image of the other.

[0070] Although each of the polyhedrons 204a to 204l is congruent, the twelve polyhedrons include a first group of polyhedrons having a first orientation (i.e., polyhedrons 204a, c, e, 1, k) and a second group of polyhedrons having a different second orientation (i.e., polyhedrons 204b, d, f, h, j, l). To reiterate, if the first orientation of the polyhedron is represented as type "1" and the second orientation of the polyhedron is represented as type "2", then the polyhedrons 204a to 204l are connected starting from polyhedron 204a in the following order: 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2.

[0071] The first and second orientations are mirror images of each other, such that each of the hinges 206a-l connects one edge of a polyhedron having the first orientation to the same edge of another polyhedron having the second orientation. Thus, the hinges are disposed in two different types of locations (discussed below). Additionally, two hinges of each polyhedron are perpendicular to each other, which advantageously enables the puzzle 202 to achieve configurations having right angles, such as FIG. 1A configurations.

[0072] FIG. 3 is FIG. 2 a two-dimensional projection of one of the congruent polyhedrons 204a and describes its particular geometry. The polyhedron has four faces 210, 212, 214, 216 and six edges 218, 220, 222, 224, 226, 228. The following edges form perpendicular edge pairs: edge 218 and 228, edge 224 and 228, and edge 226 and 228.

[0073] The relative lengths of each edge are indicated by the legend 250. As a result of the edge length relationships defined by the legend 250, the faces 212, 214, and 216 are right triangles, and the face 210 is an isosceles triangle (edges 220 and 222 have equal lengths).

[0074] The legend 250 describes the relationships between the different edge lengths of the polyhedron. The edges labeled with the circle symbol “•” have a length of one unit, which can be scaled up or down in different embodiments. Regardless of the numerical value of the units (“•”), the relative relationships between the different edges remain constant between different embodiments. Restated, regardless of the numerical value of the unit length “•”, the edges labeled with the plus sign “+” have a length equal to two times the unit length, the edges labeled with the triangle symbol “▲” have a length equal to the square root of two times the unit length (i.e., √(2)(unit length)), and the edges labeled with the square symbol “■” have a length equal to the square root of three times the unit length (i.e., √(3)(unit length)).

[0075] Referring to the legend 250, in a hypothetical embodiment in which the unit length “•” equals 100 mm, the “•” edges (i.e., edge 228) have a length equal to 100 mm, the “+” edges (i.e., edge 218) have a length equal to 200 mm, each “▲” edge (i.e., edges 224, 226) has a length equal to 100√(2) mm, and each “■” edge (i.e., edges 220, 222) has a length equal to 100√(3) mm. In any embodiment, the relative lengths of the six edges can be critical to enabling the different configurations of the puzzle shown and described herein.

[0076] Referring back to FIG. 2The puzzle piece 202 includes hinges 206a to 206l, each of which connects two adjacent polyhedrons 204a to 204l. The hinges 206a to 206l flexibly join the adjacent polyhedrons 204a to 204l, thereby enabling the joined polyhedrons to be reversibly moved so that different faces selectively abut each other.

[0077] The hinges are positioned in two different types of positions. In the first type of position (illustrated by 206a, 206c, 206e, 206g, 206i, and 206k), the hinges flexibly engage edges 218 of adjacent polyhedrons (which have mirror-image orientations relative to each other). In the second type of position (illustrated by hinges 206b, 206d, 206f, 206h, 206j, and 206l), the hinges flexibly engage edges 228 of adjacent polyhedrons. Because edges 218 and 228 are perpendicular, successive hinges are also perpendicular to each other.

[0078] The aforementioned hinge scheme achieves a specific arrangement between adjacent polyhedrons. Specifically, each hinge at a first type of location (i.e., between edges 218 of adjacent polyhedrons) hinges the first polyhedron to the adjacent second polyhedron, such that the face 210 of the first polyhedron is configured to reversibly abut the face 210 of the adjacent second polyhedron, and further such that the face 212 of the first polyhedron is configured to reversibly abut the face 212 of the adjacent second polyhedron. Further, each hinge at a second type of location (i.e., between edges 228 of adjacent polyhedrons) hinges the first polyhedron to the adjacent second polyhedron, such that the face 214 of the first polyhedron is configured to reversibly abut the face 216 of the adjacent second polyhedron, and further such that the face 216 of the first polyhedron is configured to reversibly abut the face 214 of the adjacent second polyhedron.

[0079] Polyhedrons 204a to 204l are each coupled to two adjacent polyhedrons. Specifically, each polyhedron is connected to one adjacent mirror-image polyhedron at its edge 218 by a first hinge in a first type of position, and is connected to the other adjacent mirror-image polyhedron at its edge 228 by a second hinge in a second type of position. In this manner, each polyhedron can be moved relative to each adjacent and hinged polyhedron.

[0080] In some embodiments (such as FIG. 2 In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2 , the hinges are arranged about the ring axis 208 of the polyhedron 204 a in the same ordered sequence as the polyhedrons described above, i.e., in a first type of position, in a second type of position, in a first type of position, etc. In some embodiments, the hinges may be adhesive or tape-type bridging strips that adhesively engage adjacent faces of the polyhedron.

[0081] althoughFIG. 2 Representative hinges are shown, but hinges can take many different forms. In some embodiments, such as FIG. 2 As shown, each of the hinges is a decal or sticker applied to a face of at least two adjacent polyhedra such that the hinge extends directly from one of the polyhedra to the other polyhedron. Although FIG. 3 While each hinge connects two adjacent polyhedra, in some embodiments, one or more hinges can connect more than two polyhedra. For example, in some embodiments, a single continuous decal can be applied to more than two polyhedra. Representative hinges of such configurations are detailed in U.S. Patent Nos. 10,569,185 and 10,918,964 to Hoenigschmid, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0082] In other embodiments, the hinges are integrally formed with the polyhedra (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 strips of the same or similar material as the housing of the modules. Representative hinges of such configurations are detailed in U.S. Patent No. 11,358,070 to Aberg, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0083] In still further embodiments, the hinges are formed as one or more internal flexible connecting strips (e.g., thin flexible polymer or fabric) that extend between adjacent modules and are configured to be anchored within the internal cavities of the adjacent polyhedra. Representative hinges of such configurations are detailed in PCT Publication No. WO 2022 / 130285 to Hoenigschmid, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0084] In any embodiment, more than one hinge can extend between adjacent edges of adjacent polyhedra. The foregoing hinge structures are representative, not limiting.

[0085] Returning to FIG. 2 Each polyhedron includes a plurality of magnets 230, 232, 234, 236 that are positioned and polarized such that each polyhedron is configured to magnetically couple with a plurality of other polyhedra to thereby stabilize the polyhedra 204a in any one or more of the configurations shown and described herein. In particular, for example, as the puzzle 202 is manipulated into different configurations, at least one magnet is disposed on or within each polyhedron in a position and polarity selected to magnetically couple with at least one magnet positioned on another polyhedron of opposite polarity.

[0086] In the illustrated embodiment, at least one of the plurality of magnets is disposed adjacent to each of the faces 210, 212, 214, 216 of the polyhedron, e.g., such that the magnetic field of each magnet extends through the adjacent face with sufficient force to magnetically couple with a like magnet disposed adjacent to the opposite face of the face, of opposite polarity.

[0087] It will be appreciated that the concepts described herein are not limited to embodiments having four magnets. For example, in some embodiments, more than one magnet is disposed adjacent to each face, such that each polyhedron has a total of five, six, seven, or eight magnets. In some embodiments, at least one of the faces of each polyhedron is not disposed with a magnet; in such embodiments, each polyhedron can have one, two, three, four, or more magnets. For example, in some embodiments, each polyhedron is disposed with magnets 230, 234, 236, but not magnet 232. In some embodiments, each polyhedron is disposed with magnets 230, 232, 234, but not magnet 236. In some embodiments, each polyhedron is disposed with magnets 230, 232, 236, but not magnet 234. In some embodiments, each polyhedron is disposed with magnets 232, 234, 236, but not magnet 230. In some embodiments, each polyhedron is disposed with a single magnet. In some embodiments, at least one face of each polyhedron is not disposed with a magnet, and more than one magnet is disposed adjacent to one or more other faces of the same polyhedron. Thus, in some embodiments, the puzzle 202 includes twelve, twenty-four, thirty-six, forty-eight, or more magnets.

[0088] In the illustrated embodiment, each magnet is embedded in each face, e.g., in a recess formed in the face itself. In other embodiments, each magnet can be disposed within an interior cavity of each polyhedron and positioned sufficiently close to the relevant face that the magnetic field of the magnet extends through the face. For example, in some embodiments, each magnet can be held in a recess, slot, and / or track disposed within the cavity. In some embodiments, one or more of the magnets can be positioned within a cradle, such as a cradle disposed proximate to the vertex of an edge of the polyhedron, such that the magnetic field from the magnet extends through more than one face of the polyhedron. Representative structures for securing magnets in polyhedra are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 10,569,185 and 10,918,964 to Hoenigschmid, and U.S. Patent Publication No. US2022 / 0047960, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0089] As described above, the magnets are positioned and polarized such that each polyhedron is configured to magnetically couple with each of the two polyhedra to which it is adjacently coupled by a hinge. To accomplish this, in some embodiments, the magnets are positioned and polarized such that each magnet of a first polyhedron is magnetically coupled to a like magnet of a second polyhedron, and each magnet of the second polyhedron is magnetically coupled to a like magnet of the first polyhedron. For example, in some embodiments, the magnets are positioned and polarized such that each magnet of a first polyhedron is magnetically coupled to a like magnet of a second polyhedron, and each magnet of the second polyhedron is magnetically coupled to a like magnet of the first polyhedron. In some embodiments, the magnets are positioned and polarized such that each magnet of a first polyhedron is magnetically coupled to a like magnet of a second polyhedron, and each magnet of the second polyhedron is magnetically coupled to a like magnet of the first polyhedron. FIG. 3In some embodiments, the plurality of magnets of every other / alternating polyhedron (e.g., the first, third, fifth, etc.) in the continuous loop have a common polarity (e.g., negative), and the plurality of magnets of each remaining polyhedron (e.g., the second, fourth, sixth, etc.) in the continuous loop have a different polarity (e.g., positive). To reiterate, in some embodiments, for each of the first and second puzzle pieces, the plurality of magnets of each alternating polyhedron in the continuous loop have a first polarity, and wherein the plurality of magnets of each remaining polyhedron in the continuous loop have an opposite second polarity. In effect, as FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D As shown, magnets 230, 232, 234, and 236 each have a positive polarity; however, in other embodiments, all such magnets may be negative.

[0090] It is not necessary that each magnet of a single polyhedron have a single common polarity. Instead, it is important that each magnet have a polarity opposite to the magnet(s) of the other polyhedrons to which it is configured to magnetically couple. The configuration in the previous paragraph is a representative configuration for achieving this. However, other configurations exist.

[0091] For example, in some embodiments such as those described above, in which each of the hinges connects a first polyhedron to a second polyhedron along edge 218 such that a face 210 of the first polyhedron is configured to reversibly abut a face 210 of the second polyhedron, a magnet 230 disposed adjacent to a face 210 of the first polyhedron has an opposite polarity than a magnet 230 disposed adjacent to a face 210 of the second polyhedron. Optionally, in such embodiments, a magnet 232 disposed adjacent to a face 212 of the first polyhedron has an opposite polarity than a magnet 232 disposed adjacent to a magnet 232 of the second polyhedron.

[0092] In some embodiments such as those described above, in which each of the hinges connects the first polyhedron to the second polyhedron along edge 228 such that the face 214 of the first polyhedron is configured to reversibly abut the face 216 of the second polyhedron and such that the face 216 of the first polyhedron is configured to reversibly abut the face 214 of the second polyhedron, the magnet 234 disposed adjacent to the face 214 of the first polyhedron has a polarity opposite to that of the magnet 236 disposed adjacent to the face 216 of the second polyhedron, and the magnet 236 disposed adjacent to the magnet 236 of the first polyhedron has a polarity opposite to that of the magnet 234 disposed adjacent to the face 214 of the second polyhedron.

[0093] The aforementioned magnetic configurations can be combined in a single tetrahedron.

[0094] To illustrate one configuration that enables the puzzle pieces of a puzzle set to be magnetically coupled together, FIG. 2 Shown in a convex polyhedron configuration FIG. 1Athe puzzle 202, the convex polyhedral configuration is the same as the FIG. 2 one shown in the nine-hedron configuration.

[0095] As can be understood from FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D , the puzzle 202 comprises 12 polyhedra, each of which has a plurality of magnets. FIG. 3 The magnets shown in FIG. 1B are placed according to the pattern. That is, each of the polyhedra comprises at least one magnet disposed adjacent to each of its faces, and each magnet of each polyhedron has the same polarity. In the illustrated embodiment, consecutive polyhedra are provided with magnets of opposite polarity.

[0096] As a result of the aforementioned configuration, the outermost surface of the puzzle 202 comprises a plurality of magnets having mixed polarity. In order to magnetically couple two similar puzzles together in the manner shown in FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D , two similar puzzles 202 are provided. Each puzzle 202 is configured in FIG. 1A the configuration. The puzzles 202 are positioned as shown in FIG. 1B respectively. One of the puzzles 202 can be rotated by 180 degrees so that the polarity of its magnets is opposite to the polarity of the corresponding magnets of the other puzzle. The puzzles 202 are then placed together and magnetically secured in FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D the assembly.

[0097] FIG. 1B A view of the kit 100 of FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D is shown in a first assembly of the puzzles 102a, 102b, which is a convex polyhedron, and more particularly a cubic hexahedron, i.e. a cube. The puzzles 102a, 102b each have the nine-hedron configuration described with reference to FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D .

[0098] FIG. 1B A view of the kit 100 of FIG. 6B is shown in a second assembly of the puzzles 102a, 102b. In the second assembly, the puzzle 102a is configured as a concave dodecahedron enclosed in a ring formed by the puzzle 102b (see FIG. 6B the hexagonal outline of the puzzle 102b). In other words, in the second assembly, the first puzzle and the second puzzle are not congruent. The second assembly itself is a concave polyhedron characterized by a hexagonal outline (see FIG. 7A to FIG. 7D ) and three major peaks 162a-162c opposite three minor peaks 162d-162e. In the second assembly, the puzzle 102b forms each of the six peaks 162a-162d as it encloses the circumferential surface of the puzzle 102a. In this second assembly, the magnets of the puzzle 102a attract the magnets of the adjacent faces of the puzzle 102b, thereby magnetically stabilizing the kit 100.

[0099] FIG. 1B The third component of the puzzle 102a, 102b is shown FIG. 7B In the third assembly, each of the puzzle pieces 102a, 102b is configured to have a hexagonal outline (see FIG. 7A to FIG. 7D ) and form six vertices 162a to 162f (at FIG. 1B 102b). The puzzle pieces 102a and 102b (in their congruent configuration) are rotated 30 degrees relative to each other and then placed together to achieve a third assembly. In this third assembly, the magnets of puzzle piece 102a attract the magnets of adjacent faces of puzzle piece 102b, thereby magnetically stabilizing kit 100.

[0100] Notably, the second and third components are congruent. Thus, kit 100 has the unique feature of being able to create congruent components using puzzle pieces having different configurations. This feature adds new functionality in that the same magnetically stabilized component can be configured in more than one way as two or more puzzle pieces, thereby providing an additional challenge to the user.

[0101] It will be appreciated that the aforementioned advantages result from individual features and non-obvious combinations of the features described.

[0102] The representative embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and are not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the disclosure of this disclosure more thorough and complete.

[0103] 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 there can be an intervening element. The terms "upper," "lower," "side," "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only.

[0104] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art in the art of the present disclosure. The terms used in the specification of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Claims

1. A puzzle set comprising a first puzzle and a second puzzle, each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle comprising: a plurality of polyhedra connected in a continuous ring by hinges, each of the plurality of polyhedra comprising: four faces and six edges; and at least one magnet disposed adjacent to at least one of the four faces, wherein a first assembly of the first puzzle and the second puzzle forms a cube, wherein in the first assembly the first puzzle is magnetically coupled with the second puzzle and each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle is in a congruent configuration, wherein a second assembly of the first puzzle and the second puzzle forms a concave polyhedron, wherein the first puzzle and the second puzzle are not in a congruent configuration in the second assembly, wherein a third assembly of the first puzzle and the second puzzle forms the concave polyhedron, wherein the first puzzle and the second puzzle are in a congruent configuration in the third assembly, wherein for each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle, the at least one magnet of each alternating polyhedron of the continuous ring has a first polarity, and wherein the at least one magnet of each remaining polyhedron of the continuous ring has a second, opposite polarity.

2. The puzzle set of claim 1, wherein, the six edges of each polyhedron consist of a first edge having a length of two units, a second edge and a third edge having a length of the square root of three (√(3)) units, a fourth edge and a fifth edge having a length of the square root of two (√(2)) units, and a sixth edge having a length of one unit.

3. The puzzle set of claim 1, wherein, each of the plurality of polyhedra has a tetrahedron shape.

4. The puzzle set of claim 1, wherein, each of the plurality of polyhedra is congruent to each other of the plurality of polyhedra.

5. The puzzle set of claim 1, wherein, the plurality of polyhedra consists of twelve polyhedra connected in the continuous ring by the hinges.

6. The puzzle set of claim 1, wherein, the hinges comprise bridge straps, each bridge strap extending from one of the plurality of polyhedra to an adjacent one of the plurality of polyhedra.

7. The puzzle set of claim 1, wherein, for each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle, each of the hinges hinge connects one of the six edges of one of the plurality of polyhedra to the same one of the six edges of another of the plurality of polyhedra.

8. The puzzle set of claim 1, wherein, for each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle, each of the hinges hinge connects a first one of the plurality of polyhedra to a second one of the plurality of polyhedra such that a first one of the four faces of the first polyhedron is configured to reversibly abut a first one of the four faces of the second polyhedron, wherein the at least one magnet of the first polyhedron comprises a first magnet disposed adjacent to the first face of the first polyhedron and the at least one magnet of the second polyhedron comprises a first magnet disposed adjacent to the first face of the second polyhedron.

9. The puzzle set of claim 8, wherein, For each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle, each of the hinges connects the first polyhedron to the second polyhedron such that a second face of the four faces of the first polyhedron is configured to abut a second face of the four faces of the second polyhedron about the hinge, wherein the at least one magnet of the first polyhedron includes a second magnet disposed adjacent to the second face of the first polyhedron and the at least one magnet of the second polyhedron includes a second magnet disposed adjacent to the second face of the second polyhedron.

10. The puzzle set of claim 9, wherein, For each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle, the first polyhedron is connected to a third polyhedron of the plurality of polyhedra such that a third face of the four faces of the first polyhedron is configured to abut a fourth face of the four faces of the third polyhedron, wherein the at least one magnet of the first polyhedron includes a third magnet disposed adjacent to the third face of the first polyhedron and the at least one magnet of the third polyhedron includes a first magnet disposed adjacent to the fourth face of the third polyhedron.

11. The puzzle set of claim 10, wherein, For each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle, the first polyhedron is connected to the third polyhedron such that a fourth face of the four faces of the first polyhedron is configured to abut a third face of the four faces of the third polyhedron, wherein the at least one magnet of the first polyhedron includes a fourth magnet disposed adjacent to the fourth face of the first polyhedron and the at least one magnet of the third polyhedron includes a second magnet disposed adjacent to the third face of the third polyhedron.

12. The puzzle kit according to claim 9, wherein: For each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle, the first face of the first polyhedron is congruent to the first face of the second polyhedron and wherein the second face of the first polyhedron is congruent to the second face of the second polyhedron.

13. The puzzle set of claim 1, wherein, The concave polyhedron has a hexagonal profile with six peaks.

14. A puzzle set comprising a first puzzle and a second puzzle, each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle comprising: a plurality of polyhedra connectable by hinges in a continuous loop, each polyhedron of the plurality of polyhedra comprising: four faces and six edges, wherein each edge of the six edges has a relative edge length of one unit, two units, a square root of two units (V(2) units), or a square root of three units (V(3) units); and a plurality of magnets, wherein each of the four faces has at least one magnet of the plurality of magnets disposed adjacent thereto, wherein a first assembly of the first puzzle and the second puzzle forms a convex polyhedron, wherein in the first assembly the first puzzle is magnetically coupled to the second puzzle, wherein a second assembly of the first puzzle and the second puzzle forms a concave polyhedron, wherein in the second assembly the first puzzle is magnetically coupled to the second puzzle and the first puzzle and the second puzzle are not in a congruent configuration, wherein a third assembly of the first puzzle and the second puzzle forms the concave polyhedron, wherein, in the third assembly, the first puzzle and the second puzzle are in a congruent configuration and the first puzzle is magnetically coupled to the second puzzle.

15. The puzzle set of claim 14, wherein, The six edges of each polyhedron consist of a first edge having a length of two units, a second edge and a third edge having a length of three units, a fourth edge and a fifth edge having a length of two units, and a sixth edge having a length of one unit.

16. A puzzle set comprising a first puzzle and a second puzzle, each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle comprising: a plurality of polyhedra connectable by hinges in a continuous loop, each of the plurality of polyhedra comprising: four faces and six edges, wherein each of the six edges has an opposite edge length of one unit, two units, two units, or three units; a plurality of magnets, wherein each of the four faces has at least one of the plurality of magnets disposed adjacent thereto, wherein a first assembly of the first puzzle and the second puzzle forms a convex polyhedron, wherein, in the first assembly, the first puzzle is magnetically coupled to the second puzzle, wherein a second assembly of the first puzzle and the second puzzle forms a concave polyhedron, wherein, in the second assembly, the first puzzle is magnetically coupled to the second puzzle, wherein the concave polyhedron is characterized by a hexagonal profile and six peaks.

17. The puzzle set of claim 16, wherein, In the first assembly, the first puzzle and the second puzzle are in a congruent configuration.

18. The puzzle set of claim 16, wherein, For each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle, the plurality of magnets of each alternating polyhedron of the continuous loop has a first polarity, and wherein the plurality of magnets of each remaining polyhedron of the continuous loop has a second opposite polarity.

19. The puzzle set of claim 16, wherein, The convex polyhedron is a cube.

Images