Puzzle Kit

Abstract

The present invention provides a puzzle kit. The puzzle kit includes a first puzzle and a second puzzle, each of which is formed by a plurality of polyhedral modules or polyhedrons connected via hinges to form a continuous loop. Each polyhedron has four faces and six sides, and at least one magnet adjacent to at least one face. The magnetically stable assembly of the first puzzle and the second puzzle forms at least one convex polyhedron, such as a cube.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001] (Related Applications) This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 298,722, filed January 12, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Technical Field]

[0002] The present invention relates to the toy and puzzle field. [Background technology]

[0003] Puzzles have appealed to generations as games, toys, educational aids, therapeutic devices, and the like. Such puzzles can be arranged in different geometric configurations, as shown, for example, in Asano's UK Patent Application No. GB ​​2,107,200 and Schaedel's U.S. Patent No. 6,264,199 B1. As taught in the prior art, the attributes of any particular polyhedral puzzle depend heavily on the geometry and hinge connection configuration of that particular puzzle. For example, the folding puzzle taught in Schaedel consists of 24 identical isosceles tetrahedral bodies formed by four triangular faces with angles of approximately 70.53°, 54.74°, and 54.74°. The tetrahedrons are joined to each other at their bases (longest sides) and can be manipulated into a rhombic dodecahedron in "many different ways."

[0004] However, Schaedel does not teach anything else that can be done in many different ways to achieve the geometry of a rhombic dodecahedron. In fact, as one skilled in the art would understand, there are an infinite number of different combinations of variables in such a puzzle, including the number of faces and edges of the polyhedron, the interior angles and edge lengths of the polyhedrons, the number of polyhedrons, whether all the polyhedrons are the same or not, how the polyhedrons are arranged, the location of the hinges between the polyhedrons, and other variables.

[0005] Additionally, because of these seemingly infinite combinations of variables and the unpredictable results of changes in related variables, even a small change in one variable can alter the properties of the entire puzzle in ways that are usually detrimental to the functioning of the puzzle itself.

[0006] Therefore, new puzzles with different geometries and exciting new attributes are needed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention provides a puzzle kit. The puzzle kit includes at least a first puzzle and a second puzzle. In one aspect, each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle includes a plurality of polyhedron modules or polyhedrons connected via hinges to form a continuous loop. For each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle, each of the plurality of polyhedrons has four faces and six sides. In some embodiments, the relative side lengths of each of the six sides are 1 unit, 2 units, the square root of 2 units (√(2) units), or the square root of 3 units (√(3) units). Each of the plurality of polyhedrons includes a plurality of magnets. In some embodiments, at least one, two, three, or four faces are adjacent to at least one magnet of the plurality of magnets.

[0008] In another aspect, a puzzle kit includes a first puzzle and a second puzzle, each of which includes a plurality of polyhedrons connected via hinges to form a continuous loop, each polyhedron having four faces, six sides, and at least one magnet adjacent to at least one of the four faces. A first assembly of the first puzzle and the second puzzle forms a cube, and the first puzzle is magnetically coupled to the second puzzle in the first assembly.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first puzzle and the second puzzle form a first assembly that forms a convex polyhedron, and the first puzzle is magnetically coupled to the second puzzle in the first assembly.

[0010] In either embodiment, in the first assembly, the first puzzle and the second puzzle are in a congruent configuration.

[0011] In either embodiment, for each of the first and second puzzles, the plurality of magnets in each of the alternating polyhedrons in the successive loop have a first polarity, and the plurality of magnets in each of the remaining polyhedrons in the successive loop have a second polarity that is opposite to the first polarity.

[0012] In either embodiment, the convex polyhedron may be a cube.

[0013] In either embodiment, the second assembly of the first puzzle and the second puzzle forms a concave polyhedron, and in the second assembly, the first puzzle is magnetically coupled to the second puzzle.

[0014] In either embodiment, the concave polyhedron may be characterized by a hexagonal outline and six peaks.

[0015] In either embodiment, in the second assembly, the first puzzle and the second puzzle may not be congruent.

[0016] In any embodiment, the third assembly of the first puzzle and the second puzzle may form a concave polyhedron, and in the third assembly, the first puzzle and the second puzzle may be congruent, and in the third assembly, the first puzzle is magnetically coupled to the second puzzle.

[0017] In any embodiment, the six sides of each polyhedron may include (e.g., consist of) a first side having a side length of 2 units, a second and third side having side lengths of the square root of 3 units (√(3) units), a fourth and fifth side having side lengths of the square root of 2 units (√(2) units), and a sixth side having a side length of 1 unit.

[0018] In either embodiment, each of the plurality of polyhedra may have a tetrahedral shape.

[0019] In either embodiment, each of the plurality of polyhedra may be congruent with each other of the plurality of polyhedra.

[0020] In either embodiment, the plurality of polyhedrons may consist of 12 polyhedrons hinged together to form a continuous loop.

[0021] In either embodiment, the hinge may include bridge strips, each bridge strip extending from one polyhedron of the plurality of polyhedrons to an adjacent polyhedron of the plurality of polyhedrons.

[0022] In either embodiment, for each of the first and second puzzles, each hinge may connect one of the six sides of one of the plurality of polyhedrons to the same one of the six sides of another of the plurality of polyhedrons.

[0023] In either embodiment, for each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle, each hinge hinge-connects a first of the multiple polyhedrons to a second of the multiple polyhedrons such that a first of the six faces of the first polyhedron reversibly abuts a first of the six faces of the second polyhedron, and at least one magnet located adjacent to the first face of the first polyhedron has an opposite polarity to at least one magnet located adjacent to the first face of the second polyhedron.

[0024] In either embodiment, for each of the first and second puzzles, each hinge hinges the first polyhedron to the second polyhedron such that a second of the six faces of the first polyhedron abuts a second of the six faces of the second polyhedron by toggling about the bridge strip, and at least one magnet located adjacent to the second face of the first polyhedron has an opposite polarity to at least one magnet located adjacent to the second face of the second polyhedron.

[0025] In either embodiment, for each of the first and second puzzles, the first polyhedron is connected to a third polyhedron of the plurality of polyhedrons via another bridge strip such that a third of the six faces of the first polyhedron abuts a fourth of the six faces of the third polyhedron by toggling around another bridge strip, and at least one magnet located adjacent to the third face of the first polyhedron has an opposite polarity to at least one magnet located adjacent to the fourth face of the third polyhedron.

[0026] In either embodiment, for each of the first and second puzzles, the first polyhedron is connected to the third polyhedron via another bridge strip such that a fourth of the six faces of the first polyhedron abuts a third of the six faces of the third polyhedron by toggling around another bridge strip, and at least one magnet located adjacent to the fourth face of the first polyhedron has an opposite polarity to at least one magnet located adjacent to the third face of the third polyhedron.

[0027] In either embodiment, for each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle, the first face of the first polyhedron and the first face of the second polyhedron are congruent, and the second face of the first polyhedron and the second face of the second polyhedron are congruent.

[0028] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the drawings unless otherwise stated. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1A] 1 shows a puzzle kit according to a representative embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] 1B shows the puzzle kit of FIG. 1A in a first assembly. [Figure 2] 1 shows a perspective view of a puzzle of a puzzle kit according to a representative embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the polyhedral geometry of the puzzle of FIG. 2. [Figure 4A]3 shows a perspective view of the puzzle of FIG. 2 in a first configuration. [Figure 4B] The plan view is shown below. [Figure 4C] The front view is shown. [Figure 4D] The right side view is shown. [Figure 5A] 1B shows a perspective view of the puzzle kit of FIG. 1A in a first assembly. [Figure 5B] The plan view is shown below. [Figure 5C] The front view is shown. [Figure 5D] Its right side view [Figure 6A] 1B shows a perspective view of the puzzle kit of FIG. 1A in a second assembly. [Figure 6B] The plan view is shown below. [Figure 6C] The front view is shown. [Figure 6D] The right side view is shown. [Figure 7A] 1B shows a perspective view of the puzzle kit of FIG. 1A in a third assembly. [Figure 7B] The plan view is shown below. [Figure 7C] The front view is shown. [Figure 7D] The right side view is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The following disclosure describes a kit including at least two hinged magnetic puzzles (hereafter referred to as puzzles). In some embodiments, each puzzle may have the same structure as the other puzzle(s) in the kit. Each puzzle is formed by hinged polyhedrons, each of which has specific geometric features. Furthermore, each polyhedron is hinged to the other polyhedrons in the puzzle and preferably has structural features that provide a unique function and / or exhibit unique properties. A puzzle kit may include more than two puzzles, for example, three, four, or more puzzles.

[0031] Each puzzle in the kit includes multiple solid polyhedron modules or bodies hinged to form a continuous loop. By performing different movement sequences, these puzzles can be manipulated into many different configurations that are visually and tactilely interesting. For example, the polyhedrons are configured to be manipulated about the loop axis of the continuous loop (i.e., flipping the puzzle from inside out) and / or toggle about hinge devices (e.g., bridge strips) connecting adjacent polyhedrons. The specific geometry of the polyhedrons and the specific hinge connection relationships defined by the bridge strips allow the puzzle to be manipulated into many different geometric configurations. Additionally, multiple magnets with complementary polarities are located throughout every puzzle. Advantageously, the magnets stabilize the puzzle in multiple configurations and assemblies.

[0032] FIG. 1A illustrates a puzzle kit 100 (hereinafter simply referred to as kit 100) according to a representative embodiment of the present invention. Kit 100 includes at least two magnetic puzzles 102a, 102b, each of which is formed by multiple polyhedrons connected by hinges to form a continuous loop. In the embodiments described herein, puzzles 102a, 102b are identical except that in some embodiments, puzzles 102a, 102b have different surface treatments to provide different appearances (as shown in FIG. 1A). That is, the structure, geometry, and size of puzzles 102a, 102b are identical. For clarity, puzzles 102a, 102b have different surface treatments, which is optional.

[0033] Each puzzle 102a, 102b is independently configurable into multiple configurations, which are achieved by the geometry of each polyhedron, the positioning of the hinges between the polyhedrons, and the position and polarity of the magnets within or on the polyhedrons, as described in more detail below.

[0034] Uniquely, the specific geometry and hinge arrangement of each of the puzzles 102a, 102b allows the two puzzles 102a, 102b to be joined together into an assembly that has many attractive properties. For example, once the two puzzles 102a, 102b are manipulated by a user into the congruent convex polyhedron configuration shown in Figure 1A (each being a nine-sided polygon), the puzzles 102a, 102b can be rotated 90 degrees relative to each other and then placed together to form the convex polyhedron of Figure 1B.

[0035] Additionally, the placement and polarization of the magnets in each of the puzzles 102a, 102b result in a mutual attraction between the puzzles 102a, 102b. This mutual attraction (represented by magnetic field 160) magnetically stabilizes the assembly. Exemplary magnet placements are described below, and it should be understood that the magnetic field 160 shown in FIG. 1A is representative and is not intended to limit the placement or polarity of the magnets in or on the puzzles 102a, 102b.

[0036] 1B, the puzzles 102a, 102b of FIG. 1A are joined together and magnetically stabilized into a first assembly, which is a convex polyhedron, more specifically, a cube. A cube assembly not only has desirable symmetry and density, but is also ideal for the packaging kit 100. As used herein, "assembly" includes two or more puzzles.

[0037] Kit 100 can be manipulated into many additional assemblies. A representative selection of these assemblies is described below. In some embodiments, multiple puzzles can be combined to form a rhombic dodecahedron assembly. As will be appreciated, kit 100 may be configured as two assemblies having congruent shapes, but each puzzle in the first assembly has unique characteristics that may differ in configuration from the puzzle configuration in the second assembly. See Figures 6A-7D, described below.

[0038] 2 shows a conversion puzzle (hereinafter referred to as puzzle 202) of one of the puzzle kits (e.g., kit 100 of FIG. 1). Puzzle 202 is the same as puzzles 102a and 102b of puzzle kit 100 of FIG. 1A, i.e., it has the same geometric shape, size, and structure.

[0039] Puzzle 202 includes a plurality of polyhedrons 204a-204l joined in a continuous loop around loop axis 208. Each of polyhedrons 204a-204l is a solid body (preferably having a cavity formed therein) and may be formed from a thermoplastic polymer (e.g., PLA) or other rigid material. For clarity, the polyhedrons described herein are not limited to being completely solid bodies. In some embodiments, one or more of the polyhedrons may be hollow (i.e., have a cavity therein) and may have one or more notches cut out from their volume.

[0040] Polyhedrons 204a-204l are hingedly connected in series (e.g., as a continuous loop) in an end-to-end configuration via hinges 206a-206l. As described below, polyhedrons 204a-204l are each provided with at least one magnet. Together, the magnets stabilize puzzle 202 in a variety of visually and tactilely appealing configurations, such as the configurations detailed in Figures 4A-4D.

[0041] Puzzle 202 can be positioned into a variety of different configurations by manipulating polyhedra 204a-204l. The figures show representative, non-limiting, combinatorial configurations that can be formed by manipulating puzzle 202, including various regular, irregular, convex, concave, and other polyhedron types.

[0042] To achieve different configurations, the polyhedra 204a-204l may be manipulated in different orders, including one or more of the following steps: To achieve different configurations, the polyhedra 204a-204l can be manipulated in different orders, including one or more of the following steps: Rotating one or more of the polyhedra 204a-204l about the loop axis 208 (which tends to "flip the puzzle 202 from the inside out"). Toggling one or more of the polyhedrons 204a-204l about the hinges 206a-206l so that different faces of the polyhedrons 204a-204l abut against each other; or · Translating one or more polyhedra 204a-204l relative to each other.

[0043] Unlike known puzzles, the puzzle 202 of the present disclosure utilizes the specific geometry of the puzzle 100 and a unique combination of magnets to stabilize it in a myriad of different configurations.

[0044] Specific features of a typical puzzle 202 will be described.

[0045] Puzzle 202 is formed from a continuous loop of 12 hinged, identical (i.e., congruent) polyhedrons 204a-204l, each a tetrahedron. Each polyhedron is hingedly connected to two adjacent polyhedrons along loop axis 208 via two of hinges 206a-206l, with each hinge extending from one polyhedron to at least one of the adjacent polyhedrons. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to puzzles having 12 polyhedrons. In some embodiments, each of polyhedrons 204a-204l is subdivided into two or more polyhedrons, thereby generating 24 or 36 polyhedrons connected via hinges in a continuous loop.

[0046] As used herein, the term "congruent" means that two geometric figures (e.g., two polyhedra of a single puzzle, or the overall shape of an assembly of two puzzles) have the same shape and size. This includes cases where one of the geometries is a mirror of the other.

[0047] Although each of the polyhedra 204a-204l is congruent, the 12 polyhedra include a first set of polyhedra having a first orientation (i.e., polyhedra 204a, c, e, l, k) and a second set of polyhedra having a different second orientation (i.e., polyhedra 204b, d, f, h, j, l). That is, if the first orientation of the polyhedrons is designated as type "1" and the second orientation of the polyhedrons is designated as type "2," then the polyhedra 204a-204l are connected in the following order, starting with polyhedron 204a: 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2.

[0048] The first and second orientations are mirror images of each other, such that hinges 206a-206l hinge one side of a polyhedron having the first orientation to the same side of another polyhedron having the second orientation. Thus, the hinges are positioned in two different types of positions (described below). Advantageously, the two hinges of each polyhedron are perpendicular to each other, allowing puzzle 202 to achieve a right-angled configuration, such as that shown in FIG. 1A.

[0049] Figure 3 is a two-dimensional projection of one of the congruent polyhedra 204a of Figure 2, illustrating its particular geometry. The polyhedron has four faces 210, 212, 214, and 216, and six edges 218, 220, 222, 224, 226, and 228. The following edges form perpendicular edge pairs: edges 218 and 228, edges 224 and 228, and edges 226 and 228.

[0050] The relative lengths of each side (relative side lengths) are shown by diagram 250. Because of the side length relationships defined by diagram 250, faces 212, 214, and 216 are right triangles, and face 210 is an isosceles triangle (sides 220 and 222 have equal lengths).

[0051] Diagram 250 illustrates the relationship between different edge lengths of a polyhedron. Edges marked with a circle "●" have a length of one unit, which can be scaled in different embodiments. Regardless of the value of the unit ("●"), the relative relationship between different edges remains constant across different embodiments. That is, regardless of the value of the unit length "●," edges marked with a plus sign "+" have a length equal to twice the unit length, edges marked with a triangle sign "▲" have a length equal to the square root of twice the unit length (i.e., √(2)(unit length)), and edges marked with a square sign "■" have a length equal to the square root of three times the unit length (i.e., √(3)(unit length)).

[0052] Referring to example diagram 250, in a hypothetical embodiment where the unit length "●" is equal to 100 mm, the "●" side (i.e., side 228) has a length equal to 100 mm, the "+" side (i.e., side 218) has a length equal to 200 mm, each "▲" side (i.e., sides 224, 226) has a length equal to 100√(2) mm, and each "■" side (i.e., sides 220, 222) has a length equal to 100√(3) mm. In any embodiment, the relative lengths of the six sides may be important for the puzzle to achieve the different configurations shown and described herein.

[0053] 2, puzzle 202 includes hinges 206a-206l that connect each two adjacent ones of polyhedrons 204a-204l. Hinges 206a-206l flexibly join adjacent polyhedrons 204a-204l, allowing the joined polyhedrons to reversibly toggle so that different faces selectively abut one another.

[0054] The hinges are positioned at two different types of positions. In the first type of position (exemplified by hinges 206a, 206c, 206e, 206g, 206i, and 206k), the hinges flexibly join edges 218 of adjacent polyhedra (which have mirror-image orientations with respect to one another). In the second type of position (exemplified by hinges 206b, 206d, 206f, 206h, 206j, and 206l), the hinges flexibly join edges 228 of adjacent polyhedra. Because edges 218 and 228 are perpendicular to one another, the connecting hinges are also perpendicular to one another.

[0055] The hinge connection schemes achieve specific arrangements of adjacent polyhedrons. In particular, each hinge at a first type of position (i.e., between sides 218 of adjacent polyhedrons) hinges a first polyhedron to an adjacent second polyhedron such that face 210 of the first polyhedron reversibly abuts face 210 of the adjacent second polyhedron and also reversibly abuts face 212 of the adjacent second polyhedron. Furthermore, each hinge at a second type of position (i.e., between sides 228 of adjacent polyhedrons) hinges a first polyhedron to an adjacent second polyhedron such that face 214 of the first polyhedron reversibly abuts face 216 of the adjacent second polyhedron and also reversibly abuts face 216 of the first polyhedron.

[0056] Each of the polyhedrons 204a-204l is connected to two adjacent mirrored polyhedrons. Specifically, each polyhedron is connected to one adjacent mirrored polyhedron at its side 218 via a first hinge in a first type position, and to another adjacent mirrored polyhedron at its side 228 via a second hinge in a second type position. In this way, each polyhedron can toggle with respect to each adjacent polyhedron hinged to it.

[0057] In some embodiments (such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 2), the hinges are arranged around the loop axis 208 of the polyhedron 204a in the same order as the polyhedrons described above, i.e., type 1 position, type 2 position, type 1 position, etc. In some embodiments, the hinges may be adhesive or tape-type bridge strips adhesively bonded to adjacent faces of the polyhedron.

[0058] Although an exemplary hinge is shown in FIG. 2, the hinge can take many different forms. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, each of the hinges is a decal or sticker applied to the faces of at least two adjacent polyhedrons such that the hinge extends directly from one of the polyhedrons to the other. While each hinge in FIG. 2 connects two adjacent polyhedrons, in some embodiments, one or more hinges may connect more than two polyhedrons. For example, in some embodiments, a single continuous decal can be applied to more than two polyhedrons. Exemplary hinges of this configuration are described in detail in U.S. Patents Nos. 10,569,185 and 10,918,964 to Hoenigschmid, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0059] In other embodiments, the hinge is integrally formed with the polyhedron (e.g., a living hinge) and extends directly from one of the modules to an adjacent module. In such embodiments, the hinge may be formed as a flexible polymer tape of the same or similar material as the housing of the modules. Exemplary hinges of this configuration are described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 11,358,070 to Aberg, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0060] In yet another embodiment, the hinge is one or more internal flexible connecting tapes (e.g., thin flexible polymer or woven internal flexible connecting tapes) configured to extend between adjacent modules and be secured within the internal lumens of adjacent polyhedrons. Exemplary hinges of this configuration are described in detail in PCT Publication WO 2022 / 130285 to Hoenigschmid, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0061] In either embodiment, multiple hinges can extend between adjacent edges of adjacent polyhedra. The above hinge structures are exemplary and not limiting.

[0062] 3, each polyhedron includes a plurality of magnets 230, 232, 234, 236 positioned and polarized such that each polyhedron magnetically couples with a plurality of other polyhedrons to stabilize polyhedron 204a in any one or more of the configurations described herein. In particular, at least one magnet is positioned on or within each polyhedron in a position and polarity that allows it to magnetically couple with at least one magnet of opposite polarity positioned on another polyhedron, for example, when puzzle 202 is manipulated into a different configuration.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, at least one magnet of the plurality of magnets is positioned adjacent each of the faces 210, 212, 214, 216 of the polyhedron, e.g., positioned such that the magnetic field of each magnet passes through the adjacent face with sufficient force to be magnetically coupled with a similar magnet set to an opposite polarity to that provided adjacent the opposing face of the face.

[0064] It should be understood 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 free of magnets. In such embodiments, each polyhedron may have one, two, three, four, or more magnets. For example, in some embodiments, each polyhedron has magnets 230, 234, and 236 but not magnet 232. In some embodiments, each polyhedron has magnets 230, 232, and 234 but not magnet 236. In some embodiments, each polyhedron has magnets 230, 232, and 236 but not magnet 234. In some embodiments, each polyhedron has magnets 232, 234, and 236 but not magnet 230. In some embodiments, each polyhedron has a single magnet. In some embodiments, at least one face of each polyhedron is free of magnets, and more than one magnet is provided adjacent one or more other faces of the same polyhedron. Thus, in some embodiments, puzzle 202 includes 12, 24, 36, 48, or more magnets.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, each magnet is embedded in each face, such as in a recess formed in the face itself. In other embodiments, each magnet can be disposed within the cavity of each polyhedron and positioned sufficiently close to its associated face so that the magnet's magnetic field extends through the face. For example, in some embodiments, each magnet can be held within a recessed groove, slot, and / or track disposed within the cavity. In some embodiments, one or more of the magnets can be positioned within a carriage (e.g., a carriage disposed close to a vertex of a side of the polyhedron) so that the magnetic field from the magnet penetrates multiple faces of the polyhedron. Exemplary structures for securing magnets to polyhedrons are described in U.S. Patents Nos. 10,569,185 and 10,918,864 to Hoenigschmid and U.S. Patent Publication No. US 2022 / 0047960, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0066] As described above, the magnets are positioned and polarized so that each polyhedron is configured to be magnetically coupled to each of two adjacent polyhedrons connected via a hinge. To achieve this, in some embodiments, such as FIG. 2, the magnets in every other / alternating polyhedron (e.g., first, third, fifth, etc.) in a successive loop have a common polarity (e.g., negative), and the magnets in each remaining polyhedron (e.g., second, fourth, sixth, etc.) in the successive loop have a different polarity (e.g., positive). That is, in some embodiments, for each of the first and second puzzles, the magnets in each alternating polyhedron in the successive loop have a first polarity, and the magnets in each remaining polyhedron in the successive loop have an opposite second polarity. Indeed, while magnets 230, 232, 234, and 236 each have a positive polarity as shown in FIG. 3, in other embodiments, all such magnets may have a negative polarity.

[0067] It is not necessary for each magnet in a single polyhedron to have a single common polarity. In contrast, it is important that each magnet has an opposite polarity to the magnet(s) in the other polyhedrons configured as a magnetic coupling. The configuration of the previous segment is one exemplary configuration that accomplishes this, but other configurations exist.

[0068] For example, in some embodiments such as those described above, each hinge connects a first polyhedron to a second polyhedron along edge 218 such that face 210 of the first polyhedron reversibly abuts face 210 of the second polyhedron, and magnet 230 disposed adjacent face 210 of the first polyhedron has an opposite polarity to magnet 230 disposed adjacent face 210 of the second polyhedron. Alternatively, in such embodiments, magnet 232 disposed adjacent face 212 of the first polyhedron has an opposite polarity to magnet 232 disposed adjacent magnet 232 of the second polyhedron.

[0069] In some embodiments such as those described above, each hinge connects the first polyhedron to the second polyhedron along edge 228 such that face 214 of the first polyhedron reversibly abuts face 216 of the second polyhedron and face 216 of the first polyhedron reversibly abuts face 214 of the second polyhedron, and magnet 234 located adjacent face 214 of the first polyhedron has an opposite polarity to magnet 236 located adjacent face 216 of the second polyhedron, and magnet 236 located adjacent to magnet 236 of the first polyhedron has an opposite polarity to magnet 234 located adjacent face 214 of the second polyhedron.

[0070] The magnetic configurations described above can be incorporated into a single tetrahedron.

[0071] To illustrate the configuration in which the puzzles of the puzzle kit can be magnetically coupled, FIGS. 4A-4D show puzzle 202 of FIG. 2, which is a convex polyhedron configuration similar to the nonahedron configuration shown in FIG. 1A.

[0072] As can be seen from Figure 2, puzzle 202 includes 12 polyhedrons, each of which has a plurality of magnets. The magnets shown in Figures 4A-4D are arranged according to the diagram in Figure 3. That is, each polyhedron includes at least one magnet adjacent to each of its faces, and each magnet of each polyhedron has the same polarity. In the example shown, successive polyhedrons have magnets of opposite polarities.

[0073] As a result of the above configuration, the outermost surface of the puzzle 202 contains multiple magnets with mixed polarities. To magnetically couple two similar puzzles as shown in FIG. 1B, two similar puzzles 202 are provided. Each puzzle 202 is configured as shown in FIGS. 4A-4D. The puzzles 202 are each positioned as shown in FIG. 1A. One of the puzzles 202 can be rotated 180 degrees so that the polarity of the magnets is opposite to the polarity of the corresponding magnets in the other puzzle. The puzzles 202 are then placed together and magnetically secured into the assembly of FIG. 1B.

[0074] 5A-5D show views of the kit 100 of FIG. 1B in a first assembly of puzzles 102a, 102b, which are convex polyhedra, more particularly cubic hexahedrons, i.e., cubes. The puzzles 102a, 102b each have the nine-sided configuration described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4A-4D.

[0075] 6A-6D show views of the kit 100 of FIG. 1B in a second assembly of puzzles 102a and 102b. In the second assembly, puzzle 102a is configured to be surrounded by a concave dodecahedron within the loop formed by puzzle 102b (see the hexagonal outline of FIG. 6B). In other words, in the second assembly, the first and second puzzles are not congruent. The second assembly itself is a concave polyhedron characterized by a hexagonal outline (see FIG. 6B) and three main peaks 162a-162c corresponding to three sub-peaks 162d-162e. In the second assembly, puzzle 102b surrounds the circumferential surface of puzzle 102a, thereby forming each of the six peaks 162a-162d. In this second assembly, the magnets of puzzle 102a attract the magnets on the adjacent surfaces of puzzle 102b, thereby magnetically stabilizing kit 100.

[0076] 7A-7D show views of the kit 100 of FIG. 1B in a third assembly of puzzles 102a, 102b. In the third assembly, puzzles 102a, 102b each have a hexagonal outline (see FIG. 7B) and are configured as congruent concave polyhedra forming six vertices 162a-162f (FIGS. 7A-7D show only the vertex formed by puzzle 102b). Puzzles 102a, 102b (in their congruent configuration) are rotated 30 degrees relative to each other and then placed together to achieve the third assembly. In this third assembly, the magnets on puzzle 102a attract the magnets on the adjacent faces of puzzle 102b, thereby magnetically stabilizing kit 100.

[0077] It should be noted that the second and third assemblies are congruent, and thus kit 100 has the unique ability to utilize puzzles with different configurations to achieve congruent assemblies, adding an additional capability for the same magnetic stabilization assembly to be configured as two or more puzzles in multiple ways, providing an additional challenge to the user.

[0078] It should be understood that the above benefits are due to each and every feature and non-obvious combination of the above features.

[0079] Representative embodiments of the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and are not limited to the embodiments set forth herein, but rather the purpose of providing these embodiments is to provide a more thorough and complete disclosure of the present invention.

[0080] It should be noted that when one component is considered to be "connected" to another component, it may be directly connected to the other component or there may be intervening components. As used herein, the terms "top," "bottom," "side," "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions are used for illustrative purposes only.

[0081] Unless otherwise limited, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terms used to describe the present invention herein are for the purpose of describing specific examples only and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items.

Claims

1. A puzzle kit, The puzzle kit includes a first puzzle and a second puzzle, each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle including a plurality of polyhedrons, the plurality of polyhedrons being connected via hinges to form a continuous loop; each of the plurality of polyhedrons includes four faces and six edges and at least one magnet; the at least one magnet is provided adjacent to at least one of the four faces; a first assembly of the first puzzle and the second puzzle forming a cube, the first puzzle being magnetically coupled to the second puzzle in the first assembly, and the first puzzle and the second puzzle being congruent; a second assembly of the first puzzle and the second puzzle forms a concave polyhedron, and the first puzzle and the second puzzle are not congruent in the second assembly; a third assembly of the first puzzle and the second puzzle forms the concave polyhedron, and the first puzzle and the second puzzle are congruent in the third assembly; A puzzle kit, wherein for each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle, the at least one magnet in each of alternating polyhedrons in the continuous loop has a first polarity, and the at least one magnet in each of the remaining polyhedrons in the continuous loop has a second polarity opposite to the first polarity.

2. 2. The puzzle kit of claim 1, wherein the six sides of each polyhedron comprise a first side having a side length of 2 units, a second and third side having side lengths of √(3) units, which is the square root of 3 units, a fourth and fifth side having side lengths of √(2) units, which is the square root of 2 units, and a sixth side having a side length of 1 unit.

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

4. The puzzle kit of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of polyhedrons and each remaining polyhedron of the plurality of polyhedrons are congruent.

5. 2. The puzzle kit of claim 1, wherein the plurality of polyhedrons consists of 12 polyhedrons connected via the hinges to form the continuous loop.

6. 2. The puzzle kit of claim 1, wherein the hinge includes bridge strips, each bridge strip extending from one polyhedron of the plurality of polyhedrons to an adjacent polyhedron of the plurality of polyhedrons.

7. 2. The puzzle kit of claim 1, wherein, for each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle, each of the hinges hinge-connects one of the six sides of one polyhedron of the plurality of polyhedrons to the same one of the six sides of another polyhedron of the plurality of polyhedrons.

8. For each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle, each of the hinges hinge-connects a first polyhedron of the plurality of polyhedrons to a second polyhedron of the plurality of polyhedrons such that a first of the four faces of the first polyhedron reversibly abuts a first of the four faces of the second polyhedron; 2. The puzzle kit of claim 1, 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. For each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle, each of the hinges hinge-connects the first polyhedron to the second polyhedron such that a second of the four faces of the first polyhedron abuts a second of the four faces of the second polyhedron by toggling around one of the hinges; 9. The puzzle kit of claim 8, wherein the at least one magnet of the first polyhedron comprises a second magnet disposed adjacent to the second face of the first polyhedron, and the at least one magnet of the second polyhedron comprises a second magnet disposed adjacent to the second face of the second polyhedron.

10. For each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle, the first polyhedron is connected to a third polyhedron of the plurality of polyhedrons such that a third face of the four faces of the first polyhedron abuts a fourth face of the four faces of the third polyhedron; 10. The puzzle kit of claim 9, wherein the at least one magnet of the first polyhedron comprises a third magnet arranged adjacent to the third face of the first polyhedron, and the at least one magnet of the third polyhedron comprises a first magnet arranged adjacent to the fourth face of the third polyhedron.

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

12. 10. The puzzle kit of claim 9, wherein, for each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle, the first face of the first polyhedron and the first face of the second polyhedron are congruent, and the second face of the first polyhedron and the second face of the second polyhedron are congruent.

13. The puzzle kit of claim 1 , wherein the concave polyhedron has a hexagonal outline with six peaks.

14. A puzzle kit, The puzzle kit includes a first puzzle and a second puzzle, each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle including a plurality of polyhedrons, the plurality of polyhedrons being hingedly connected to each other via hinges to form a continuous loop; each of the plurality of polyhedrons includes four faces and six edges and a plurality of magnets; The relative side lengths of the six sides are 1 unit, 2 units, √(2) units (the square root of 2 units), or √(3) units (the square root of 3 units); At least one magnet from the plurality of magnets is disposed adjacent to each of the four surfaces, a first assembly of the first puzzle and the second puzzle forming a convex polyhedron, the first puzzle being magnetically coupled to the second puzzle in the first assembly; a second assembly of the first puzzle and the second puzzle forms a concave polyhedron, the first puzzle is magnetically coupled to the second puzzle in the second assembly, and the first puzzle and the second puzzle are not congruent; A puzzle kit, wherein a third assembly of the first puzzle and the second puzzle forms the concave polyhedron, and in the third assembly, the first puzzle and the second puzzle are congruent, and the first puzzle is magnetically coupled to the second puzzle.

15. 15. The puzzle kit of claim 14, wherein the six sides of each polyhedron comprise a first side having a side length of 2 units, a second and third side having side lengths of √(3) units, which is the square root of 3 units, a fourth and fifth side having side lengths of √(2) units, which is the square root of 2 units, and a sixth side having a side length of 1 unit.

16. A puzzle kit, The puzzle kit includes a first puzzle and a second puzzle, each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle including a plurality of polyhedrons, the plurality of polyhedrons being hingedly connected to each other via hinges to form a continuous loop; each of the plurality of polyhedrons includes four faces and six edges and a plurality of magnets; The relative side lengths of the six sides are 1 unit, 2 units, √(2) units (the square root of 2 units), or √(3) units (the square root of 3 units); At least one magnet from the plurality of magnets is disposed adjacent to each of the four surfaces, a first assembly of the first puzzle and the second puzzle forming a convex polyhedron, the first puzzle being magnetically coupled to the second puzzle in the first assembly; A puzzle kit, wherein a second assembly of the first puzzle and the second puzzle forms a concave polyhedron, and in the second assembly, the first puzzle is magnetically coupled to the second puzzle, and the concave polyhedron is characterized by a hexagonal outline and six peaks.

17. 17. The puzzle kit of claim 16, wherein in the first assembly, the first puzzle and the second puzzle are congruent.

18. 17. The puzzle kit of claim 16, wherein for each of the first puzzle and the second puzzle, the plurality of magnets in each of alternating polyhedrons in the continuous loop have a first polarity, and the plurality of magnets in each of the remaining polyhedrons in the continuous loop have a second polarity opposite to the first polarity.

19. 17. The puzzle kit of claim 16, wherein the convex polyhedron is a cube.

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