Brain teaser puzzle

Abstract

To provide a brain teaser puzzle that can sustain the player's interest and desire to create solutions. [Solution] The puzzle includes a base, a first ring portion located above the base, a second ring portion located above the first ring portion, a third ring portion located above the second ring portion, a fourth ring portion located above the third ring portion, a first support connected to the first ring portion and the base, a second support connected to the second ring portion, passing through the inside of the first ring portion and connected to the base, passing through the outside of the third ring portion and passing through the inside of the fourth ring portion, a third support connected to the third ring portion, passing through the inside of the second ring portion and passing through the outside of the first ring portion and connected to the base, and a fourth support connected to the fourth ring portion, passing through the inside of the third ring portion, passing through the outside of the second ring portion and passing through the outside of the first ring portion and connected to the base.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a disentanglement ring puzzle. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention relates to a disentanglement ring puzzle that has a three-dimensional structure including support posts and annular members, and is enjoyed using a looped string.

Background Art

[0002] As typified by Chinese rings, disentanglement ring puzzles constituted by rod-shaped support posts and annular members provided at the tips of the support posts are known. In recent years, disentanglement ring puzzles constituted by a combination of support posts and annular members based on the Chinese rings as a prototype have been proposed (Patent Documents 1 and 2). Further, Patent Documents 3 to 5 propose different disentanglement ring puzzles having a structure developed from Chinese rings. The disentanglement ring puzzles according to Patent Documents 3 to 5 are also disentanglement ring puzzles constituted by a combination of support posts and annular members.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] While the puzzle rings described in Patent Documents 3-5, which are an evolution of the Chinese Rings puzzle, can strongly stimulate the logical thinking and creativity of players, the puzzle rings described in Patent Documents 1-2, which largely retain the technical ideas of the conventional Chinese Rings puzzle, have complex solutions that involve many simple, repetitive mechanical operations, thus providing little stimulation to the logical thinking and creativity of players. Consequently, there was a problem in that players could not maintain a sustained interest in or desire to create solutions to puzzle rings like those described in Patent Documents 1-2.

[0005] One of the objectives of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a brain teaser puzzle that can sustain the player's interest and motivation to create solutions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A puzzle in one embodiment of the present invention includes a base, a first ring portion located above the base, a second ring portion located above the first ring portion, a third ring portion located above the second ring portion, a fourth ring portion located above the third ring portion, a first support connected to the first ring portion and the base, a second support connected to the second ring portion, passing through the inside of the first ring portion and connected to the base, passing through the outside of the third ring portion and passing through the inside of the fourth ring portion, a third support connected to the third ring portion, passing through the inside of the second ring portion and passing through the outside of the first ring portion and connected to the base, and a fourth support connected to the fourth ring portion, passing through the inside of the third ring portion, passing through the outside of the second ring portion and passing through the outside of the first ring portion and connected to the base.

[0007] The first support column is connected to the base at a first contact point, the second support column is connected to the base at a second contact point, the third support column is connected to the base at a third contact point, and the fourth support column is connected to the base at a fourth contact point. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface of the base, the second contact point may be located inside the triangle formed by the first, third, and fourth contact points.

[0008] A puzzle in one embodiment of the present invention comprises a base, a first ring portion located above the base, a second ring portion located above the first ring portion, a third ring portion located above the second ring portion, a fourth ring portion located above the third ring portion, a fifth ring portion located above the fourth ring portion, a first support connected to the first ring portion and the base, and a rod connected to the second ring portion, passing through the inside of the first ring portion and connected to the base, passing through the outside of the third ring portion, passing through the outside of the fourth ring portion and inside the fifth ring portion. It includes a second support that passes through the first ring, a third support connected to the third ring, passing inside the second ring, passing outside the first ring, and connected to the base, a fourth support connected to the fourth ring, passing inside the third ring, passing outside the second ring, passing outside the first ring, and connected to the base, and a fifth support connected to the fifth ring, passing inside the fourth ring, passing outside the third ring, passing outside the second ring, passing outside the first ring, and connected to the base.

[0009] The first support column is connected to the base at a first contact point, the second support column is connected to the base at a second contact point, the third support column is connected to the base at a third contact point, the fourth support column is connected to the base at a fourth contact point, and the fifth support column is connected to the base at a fifth contact point. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface of the base, the second contact point may be located inside the rectangle formed by the connection of the first, third, fourth, and fifth contact points.

[0010] The present invention may further include a sixth annular portion located between the base and the first annular portion, and a sixth support column connected to the sixth annular portion and the base.

[0011] The first support column may pass inside the sixth annular portion and be connected to the base, while the second, third, and fourth support columns may pass outside the sixth annular portion and be connected to the base.

[0012] The first support column is connected to the base at a first contact point, the second support column is connected to the base at a second contact point, the third support column is connected to the base at a third contact point, the fourth support column is connected to the base at a fourth contact point, and the sixth support column is connected to the base at a sixth contact point. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface of the base, the second contact point is located inside the triangle formed by the first, third, and fourth contact points, and the sixth contact point may be located outside the triangle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a brain teaser puzzle that can sustain the player's interest and motivation to create solutions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the structure of a puzzle ring in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows the arrangement of the contact points between the support pillars and the base of a puzzle ring in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the solution to a brain teaser puzzle in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the solution to a brain teaser puzzle in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the solution to a brain teaser puzzle in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the solution to a brain teaser puzzle in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing the solution to a brain teaser puzzle in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing the solution to a brain teaser puzzle in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing the structure of a puzzle ring in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10]This is a diagram showing the arrangement of contact points between the support posts and the base of the Chinese ring puzzle according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view showing the solution method of the Chinese ring puzzle according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view showing the solution method of the Chinese ring puzzle according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view showing the solution method of the Chinese ring puzzle according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view showing the solution method of the Chinese ring puzzle according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view showing the solution method of the Chinese ring puzzle according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a perspective view showing the solution method of the Chinese ring puzzle according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] This is a perspective view showing the solution method of the Chinese ring puzzle according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This is a perspective view showing the solution method of the Chinese ring puzzle according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This is a perspective view showing the solution method of the Chinese ring puzzle according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] This is a perspective view showing the solution method of the Chinese ring puzzle according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] This is a perspective view showing the solution method of the Chinese ring puzzle according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] This is a perspective view showing the solution method of the Chinese ring puzzle according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] This is a perspective view showing the structure of the Chinese ring puzzle according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] This is a diagram showing the arrangement of contact points between the support posts and the base of the Chinese ring puzzle according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] This is a perspective view showing the solution method of the Chinese ring puzzle according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] This is a perspective view showing the solution method of the Chinese ring puzzle according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] This is a perspective view showing the solution to a brain teaser puzzle in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] This is a perspective view showing the solution to a brain teaser puzzle in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] This is a perspective view showing the solution to a brain teaser puzzle in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30] This is a perspective view showing the solution to a brain teaser puzzle in one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] The following description will specifically explain the puzzle ring according to this embodiment with reference to the drawings. In the following description, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals and will be described redundantly only when necessary. The embodiments shown below illustrate the structure and solution method for realizing the technical concept of this embodiment. The technical concept of the embodiment is not limited to the materials, shapes, structures, arrangements, etc., of the components described below. The technical concept of the embodiment may have various modifications to the claims.

[0016] In each embodiment of the present invention, the direction from the base 900 toward the first annular portion 100 is referred to as "upward." Conversely, the direction from the first annular portion 100 toward the base 900 is referred to as "downward." Thus, for the sake of explanation, the terms "upward" and "downward" are used, but for example, the base 900 and the first annular portion 100 may be arranged so that their vertical relationship is reversed from that shown in the figures. In the following description, for example, the expression "the first annular portion 100 above the base 900" merely describes the vertical relationship between the base 900 and the first annular portion 100 as described above, and other members may be arranged between the base 900 and the first annular portion 100. "Upward" and "downward" refer to the vertical relationship between multiple members, and when referring to "the first annular portion 100 above the base 900," the base 900 and the first annular portion 100 may not overlap in a plan view. On the other hand, when referring to the first annular section 100 vertically above the base 900, it means the positional relationship where the base 900 and the first annular section 100 overlap in a plan view.

[0017] In this specification, expressions such as "α includes A, B, or C," "α includes any one of A, B, and C," and "α includes one selected from the group consisting of A, B, and C" do not exclude cases where α includes multiple combinations of A, B, and C, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, these expressions do not exclude cases where α includes other elements.

[0018] The embodiments and their modifications shown below can be combined with other embodiments and their modifications, provided there is no technical inconsistency.

[0019] [1. First Embodiment] The first embodiment of the puzzle ring 10 will be described using Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the structure of the puzzle ring in one embodiment of the present invention. As will be described in detail later, the puzzle ring 10 is a puzzle that uses a string 20. The player enjoys the puzzle ring 10 by removing the string 20 that is wrapped around a support (for example, the first support 110) provided on the puzzle ring 10, or by wrapping a string 20 that is not wrapped around any support around a specific support.

[0020] In the following explanation, when viewing Puzzle 10 from the front, that is, from the D4 direction, the right side can be referred to as the D1 direction, the left side as the D2 direction, the front as the D3 direction, the back as the D4 direction, the up side as the D5 direction, and the down side as the D6 direction.

[0021] [1-1. The structure of the 10-part brain teaser puzzle] As shown in Figure 1, the puzzle ring 10 has a base 900, a first ring section 100, a first support column 110, a second ring section 200, a second support column 210, a top section 220, a third ring section 300, a third support column 310, a fourth ring section 400, and a fourth support column 410. In the method of playing the puzzle ring 10, a string 20 is used with the puzzle ring 10. In this embodiment, the string 20 is in the shape of a closed loop, but the configuration is not limited to this.

[0022] The base 900 includes an upper surface 901 and a lower surface 903. The first support column 110, the second support column 210, the third support column 310, and the fourth support column 410 are connected to the upper surface 901. The lower surface 903 is a surface that can be placed on a flat surface such as a table. In this embodiment, the shape of the base 900 is a rectangular flat plate in plan view. However, the shape of the base 900 in plan view is not limited to a rectangle. For example, the shape of the base 900 in plan view may be a polygon such as a triangle or a pentagon, or it may be a circular, elliptical, or other loop-shaped curved shape. Also, the upper surface 901 and the lower surface 903 are not limited to flat surfaces, and may have a structure with protrusions and indentations.

[0023] The first annular section 100 is provided on a first virtual plane (not shown) that is substantially parallel to the upper surface 901. The first virtual plane is a plane that extends in the front-back, left-right, and right directions (directions D1 to D4). The first support column 110 is connected to the base 900 and the first annular section 100. The first support column 110 is connected to the base 900 at a first connection point 111 and extends upward (direction D5) from the base 900. The first annular section 100 is connected to the upper end of the first support column 110.

[0024] The second annular section 200 is located on a second virtual plane (not shown) that is substantially parallel to the top surface 901. The second virtual plane is a plane that extends in the front-back, left-right, and right directions, similar to the first virtual plane, and is located above the first virtual plane. The second support column 210 is connected to the base 900, the second annular section 200, and the top section 220. The second support column 210 is connected to the base 900 at a second connection point 211, extends upward from the base 900, passes inside the first annular section 100 and the fourth annular section 400, and passes outside the third annular section 300. The top section 220 is connected to the upper end of the second support column 210. The second annular section 200 is connected to the middle section of the second support column 210. More specifically, the second annular section 200 is connected to the second support column 210 between the first annular section 100 and the third annular section 300.

[0025] The third annular section 300 is provided on a third virtual plane (not shown) that is substantially parallel to the upper surface 901. The third virtual plane is a plane that extends in the front-back, left-right, and right directions, similar to the first and second virtual planes, and is located above the first and second virtual planes. The third support column 310 is connected to the base 900 and the third annular section 300. The third support column 310 is connected to the base 900 at the third connection point 311, extends upward from the base 900, passes outside the first annular section 100, and passes inside the second annular section 200. The third annular section 300 is connected to the upper end of the third support column 310.

[0026] The fourth annular section 400 is located on a fourth virtual plane (not shown) that is substantially parallel to the upper surface 901. The fourth virtual plane is a plane that extends in the front-back, left-right, and right directions, similar to the first to third virtual planes, and is located above the first to third virtual planes. The fourth support column 410 is connected to the base 900 and the fourth annular section 400. The fourth support column 410 is connected to the base 900 at the fourth connection point 411, extends upward from the base 900, passes outside the first annular section 100 and the second annular section 200, and passes inside the third annular section 300. The fourth annular section 400 is connected to the upper end of the fourth support column 410.

[0027] The above configuration can be rephrased as follows: The first annular section 100 is located above the base 900, the second annular section 200 is located above the first annular section 100, the third annular section 300 is located above the second annular section 200, and the fourth annular section 400 is located above the third annular section 300.

[0028] As described above, in this embodiment, the first virtual plane on which the first annular portion 100 is provided, the second virtual plane on which the second annular portion 200 is provided, the third virtual plane on which the third annular portion 300 is provided, and the fourth virtual plane on which the fourth annular portion 400 is provided are all substantially parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the upper surface 901. However, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration. For example, at least one of the first to fourth virtual planes does not have to be parallel to the other virtual planes. For example, at least one of the first to fourth virtual planes may be inclined with respect to the upper surface 901, or it may be perpendicular to the upper surface 901. The first annular portion 100, the second annular portion 200, the third annular portion 300, and the fourth annular portion 400 do not necessarily have to be provided on the above virtual planes.

[0029] In a plan view (when viewing the puzzle 10 in the D6 direction), the first support column 110 is connected to the base 900 on the outside of the second ring section 200, the third ring section 300, and the fourth ring section 400. In a plan view, the second support column 210 is connected to the base 900 on the inside of the first ring section 100 and the fourth ring section 400, and on the outside of the third ring section 300. In a plan view, the third support column 310 is connected to the base 900 on the inside of the second ring section 200, and on the outside of the first ring section 100 and the fourth ring section 400. In a plan view, the fourth support column 410 is connected to the base 900 on the inside of the third ring section 300, and on the outside of the first ring section 100 and the second ring section 200. However, the positional relationship of each support column and each ring section in a plan view is not limited to the above configuration.

[0030] In this embodiment, each of the first support column 110, the second support column 210, the third support column 310, and the fourth support column 410 has a linear shape in the vertical direction (direction D5 and direction D6). However, the shape of these columns is not limited to the above shape. For example, these columns may have a bent shape with partial bends, or a curved shape with a curved shape.

[0031] In this embodiment, a configuration is illustrated in which the first annular portion 100, the third annular portion 300, and the fourth annular portion 400 are provided at the top of the first support column 110, the third support column 310, and the fourth support column 410, respectively, but the configuration is not limited to this. The first support column 110 may protrude upward from the first annular portion 100, the third support column 310 may protrude upward from the third annular portion 300, and the fourth support column 410 may protrude upward from the fourth annular portion 400. In this case, a member similar to the top portion 220 may be provided at the top of each of the first support column 110, the third support column 310, and the fourth support column 410.

[0032] The shape of the top of the head 220 is spherical, but it is not limited to this shape, and a variety of shapes can be adopted. The top of the head 220 is preferably shaped in a way that prevents injury to the player, and for example it may be ring-shaped, or it may be an object modeled after a doll or animal, and a variety of shapes can be adopted.

[0033] In this embodiment, the first annular section 100, the second annular section 200, the third annular section 300, and the fourth annular section 400 are integrally formed with the first support column 110, the second support column 210, the third support column 310, and the fourth support column 410, respectively. These can be formed by preparing the annular sections and support columns separately and welding or bonding them together. However, the annular sections and support columns do not have to be integrally formed. For example, the annular sections and support columns may be detachable. Also, in this embodiment, each annular section is in the shape of a completely closed loop, but the embodiment is not limited to this configuration. For example, the annular section and support column can be integrally formed by bending the upper part of the support column to curve it into an annular shape. In this case, the annular section does not have to be in the shape of a completely closed loop. That is, there may be a gap in a part of the annular section that is not large enough for the string 20 to pass through.

[0034] [1-2. Positional relationship of each connection point] Figure 2 shows the arrangement of the contact points between the support pillars and the base of a puzzle in one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the upper surface 901 of the base 900, the second connection point 211 is located inside the triangle formed by the first connection point 111, the third connection point 311, and the fourth connection point 411. In Figure 2, the triangle formed by the first connection point 111, the third connection point 311, and the fourth connection point 411 is an isosceles triangle. As shown in Figure 1, the second support pillar 210 passes inside the fourth annular section 400, the third support pillar 310 passes inside the second annular section 200, and the fourth support pillar 410 passes inside the third annular section 300. Therefore, when the sizes of the second annular section 200, the third annular section 300, and the fourth annular section 400 are the same, it is preferable that the distance between the second connection point 211 and the third connection point 311, the distance between the third connection point 311 and the fourth connection point 411, and the distance between the fourth connection point 411 and the second connection point 211 are equal. However, these distances do not necessarily have to be the same. In Figure 2, an example is shown in which the triangle formed by the first connection point 111, the third connection point 311, and the fourth connection point 411 is an isosceles triangle, and the triangle formed by the second connection point 211, the third connection point 311, and the fourth connection point 411 is an equilateral triangle, but the shape of the triangle is not limited to this.

[0035] This configuration requires players to be aware of the depth direction when solving the puzzle, thus providing a brain teaser puzzle that can sustain players' interest and motivation to create solutions. Furthermore, since players are expected to use various techniques, such as rotating the brain teaser puzzle 10 while solving it, their spatial reasoning abilities can be enhanced while solving the puzzle.

[0036] [1-3. Solutions to 10 Brain Teaser Puzzles] The solution method for the puzzle ring 10 shown in Figure 1 will be explained using Figures 3 to 8. In the gameplay of the puzzle ring 10, a string 20 is used with the puzzle ring 10. The player starts with the string 20 wrapped only around the first support 110 and aims to remove the string 20 from the puzzle ring 10. In this embodiment of the puzzle ring 10, as will be explained below, an advanced technique is required to deliberately twist the string 20 during the process of solving the puzzle ring 10 in order to prevent the string 20 from becoming entangled with the support and becoming impossible to untangle.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3 (1A), initially the string 20 is wrapped only around the first support 110. From this state, the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210, passing upward (in the D5 direction) through the area in front of the second support 210 (in the D3 direction) within the inner region of the first annular section 100 (1), moves upward along the third support 310, passing upward inside the second annular section 200 in the region closer to the second support 210 than the third support 310 (2), moves upward along the fourth support 410, passing upward inside the third annular section 300 in the region closer to the second support 210 than the fourth support 410 (3), and moves upward along the second support 210, passing upward inside the fourth annular section 400 (4). As a result of this operation, as shown in Figure 3(1B), the string 20 passes through the first annular section 100, the second annular section 200, the third annular section 300, and the fourth annular section 400, and ends up protruding above the fourth annular section 400.

[0038] Next, as shown in Figure 3(1B), the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210, passes over the top 220 to the right (direction D1) (5), moves downward along the second support 210 (direction D6), and passes downward through the inside of the fourth annular section 400 (6). As a result of this movement, as shown in Figure 3(1C), the string 20 passes through the first annular section 100, the second annular section 200, and the third annular section 300, and becomes entangled with the second support 210 below the fourth annular section 400.

[0039] Next, as shown in Figure 3 (1C), the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210, passes above the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (7), and crosses the top section 220 to the left (direction D2) (8). As a result of this movement, as shown in Figure 3 (1D), the string 20 passes over the first annular section 100, the second annular section 200, and the third annular section 300, and becomes entangled with the fourth support 410 below the fourth annular section 400.

[0040] In the state shown in Figure 3 (1D), the string 20 moves downward along the fourth support 410 and passes downward through the inside of the third annular section 300 (9). As a result of this movement, as shown in Figure 4 (1E), the string 20 passes through the first annular section 100 and the second annular section 200 and becomes entangled with the fourth support 410 below the third annular section 300.

[0041] Next, as shown in Figure 4 (1E), the string 20 moves upward along the fourth support 410, passing above the outside of the third annular section 300 (10), then moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the outside of the fourth annular section 400, and crosses the top section 220 to the right (direction D1) (11). As a result of this movement, as shown in Figure 4 (1F), the string 20 passes over the first annular section 100 and the second annular section 200, becomes entangled with the second support 210 below the third annular section 300, and becomes entangled with the third support 310 below the fourth annular section 400.

[0042] Next, as shown in Figure 4 (1F), the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210, passing upward inside the fourth annular section 400 (12), crossing the top section 220 to the left (13), and then moves downward along the second support 210, passing downward inside the fourth annular section 400 (14). As a result of this movement, as shown in Figure 4 (1G), the string 20 passes through the first annular section 100 and the second annular section 200 and becomes entangled with the third support 310.

[0043] Next, as shown in Figure 4 (1G), the string 20, stretched to the left, moves downward along the third support 310 and passes below the outside of the second annular section 200 (15). As a result of this movement, as shown in Figure 4 (1H), the string 20 passes through the first annular section 100 and the second annular section 200 and becomes entangled with the third support 310 below the third annular section 300.

[0044] Next, as shown in Figure 4 (1H), the string 20 moves downward along the third support 310 and passes downward through the inside of the second annular section 200 (16). As a result of this movement, as shown in Figure 5 (1I), the string 20 passes through the first annular section 100 and becomes entangled with the third support 310 below the second annular section 200. In this state, the string 20 is twisted once between the first support 110 and the third support 310.

[0045] Next, as shown in Figure 5(1I), the string 20 is pulled forward once, moves upward along the third support 310 and passes above the outside of the second annular section 200 (17), moves upward along the fourth support 410 and passes above the outside of the third annular section 300 (18), moves upward along the second support 210 and passes above the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (19), and moves further upward along the second support 210 and crosses the top section 220 to the rear (D4 direction) (20). As a result of this movement, as shown in Figure 5(1J), the string 20 passes over the first annular section 100 and becomes entangled with the second support 210 and the fourth support 410 below the second annular section 200. In this state, the twist of the string 20 is released.

[0046] Next, as shown in Figure 5 (1J), the string 20 moves upward along the fourth support 410, passing above the inside of the third annular section 300 (21), then moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (22), and then moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the right (23). As a result of this movement, as shown in Figure 5 (1K), the string 20 passes through the first annular section 100 and the third annular section 300 while detached from the second annular section 200, and becomes entangled with the second support 210 below the fourth annular section 400.

[0047] Next, as shown in (1K) of Figure 5, the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210 and passes upward inside the fourth annular section 400 (24), and moves further upward along the second support 210 and crosses the top section 220 to the left (25). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210 and passes downward inside the fourth annular section 400 (26), moves downward along the fourth support 410 and passes downward inside the third annular section 300 (27), moves downward along the second support 210 and passes downward outside the rear of the second annular section 200 (28), and moves further downward along the second support 210 and passes downward inside the first annular section 100 (29). As a result of this action, as shown in (1L) of Figure 5, the string 20 falls onto the base 900 and becomes entangled with the first support column 110 and the second support column 210.

[0048] Next, as shown in Figure 5 (1L), the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210 and crosses above the perimeter of the first annular section 100 (30). As a result of this movement, as shown in Figure 6 (1M), the string 20 becomes entangled with the second support 210 above the first annular section 100 and below the second annular section 200.

[0049] Next, as shown in Figure 6 (1M), the string 20 moves upward along the third support 310 and passes above the inside of the second annular section 200 (31), moves upward along the fourth support 410 and passes above the inside of the third annular section 300 (32), and moves upward along the second support 210 and passes above the fourth annular section 400 (33). As a result of this movement, as shown in Figure 6 (1N), the string 20 has detached from the first annular section 100 and passed through the second annular section 200, the third annular section 300, and the fourth annular section 400, and is now protruding above the fourth annular section 400.

[0050] Next, as shown in (1N) of Figure 6, the string 20 is twisted once counterclockwise (34). That is, the string 20 rotates in the order of D4 direction → D2 direction → D3 direction. As a result of this action, as shown in (1O) of Figure 6, the string 20 protrudes above the fourth ring portion 400 in a twisted state. Note that this twisting action of the string 20 prevents the string 20 from becoming entangled with the support column. Conversely, if the string 20 is not twisted once counterclockwise at this timing in this solution, the string 20 will become entangled with the support column afterward, and it will be impossible to remove the string 20 from the puzzle ring 10. Of course, both the direction and the number of twists of the string 20 are important.

[0051] Next, as shown in Figure 6(1O), the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210 and crosses the top 220 to the right (35). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210 and passes downward inside the fourth annular section 400 (36). As a result of this movement, as shown in Figure 6(1P), the string 20 passes through the second annular section 200 and the third annular section 300 while detached from the first annular section 100, and becomes entangled with the second support 210 below the fourth annular section 400. In this state, the string 20 is twisted once between the second support 210 and the fourth support 410.

[0052] Next, as shown in Figure 6 (1P), the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210, passes above the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (37), and crosses the top section 220 to the left (38). As a result of this movement, as shown in Figure 7 (1Q), the string 20, having detached from the first annular section 100, passes through the second annular section 200 and the third annular section 300, and becomes entangled with the fourth support 410 below the fourth annular section 400.

[0053] In the state shown in Figure 7 (1Q), the string 20 moves downward along the fourth support 410 and passes downward inside the third annular section 300 (39). As a result of this movement, as shown in Figure 7 (1R), the string 20 passes through the second annular section 200 while detached from the first annular section 100, and becomes entangled with the fourth support 410 below the third annular section 300.

[0054] Next, as shown in Figure 7(1R), the string 20 moves upward along the fourth support 410, passing above the outside of the third annular section 300 (40), then moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (41), and then moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the right (direction D1) (42). As a result of this movement, as shown in Figure 7(1S), the string 20 passes through the second annular section 200 while detached from the first annular section 100, becomes entangled with the third support 310 below the third annular section 300, and becomes entangled with the second support 210 below the fourth annular section 400.

[0055] Next, as shown in Figure 7(1S), the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the inside of the fourth annular section 400 (43), and then moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the left (44). As a result of this movement, as shown in Figure 7(1T), the string 20, having detached from the first annular section 100 and the third annular section 300, passes through the second annular section 200 and the fourth annular section 400, and protrudes above the fourth annular section 400.

[0056] Next, as shown in Figure 7(1T), the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing downward inside the fourth annular section 400 (45), then moves further downward along the fourth support 410, passing downward outside the third annular section 300 (46), and then moves downward along the third support 310, passing downward inside the second annular section 200 (47). As a result of this movement, as shown in Figure 8(1U), the string 20 falls onto the base 900 and becomes entangled with the first support 110, the second support 210, and the third support 310.

[0057] Next, as shown in Figure 8 (1U), the string 20 moves upward along the third support 310, passing above the outside of the second annular section 200 (48), moves upward along the fourth support 410, passing above the inside of the third annular section 300 (49), and moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the inside of the fourth annular section 400 (50). As a result of this movement, as shown in Figure 8 (1V), the string 20 passes through the third annular section 300 and the fourth annular section 400 while detached from the first annular section 100 and the second annular section 200, and ends up protruding above the fourth annular section 400.

[0058] Next, as shown in (1V) of Figure 8, the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210 and crosses the top 220 to the right (51). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210 and passes downward through the inside of the fourth annular section 400 (52). As a result of this movement, as shown in (1W) of Figure 8, the string 20 passes through the third annular section 300 while detached from the first annular section 100 and the second annular section 200, and becomes entangled with the second support 210 below the fourth annular section 400.

[0059] Next, as shown in (1W) of Figure 8, the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (53), and then moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the left (54). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing below the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (55), then moves downward along the fourth support 410, passing below the inside of the third annular section 300 (56), and then moves downward along the third support 310, passing below the outside of the second annular section 200 (57). As a result of this movement, as shown in (1X) of Figure 8, the string 20 falls onto the base 900, enclosing the first support 110, the second support 210, the third support 310, and the fourth support 410. Then, by lifting the string 20 upwards (58), the string 20 can be removed from the puzzle ring 10.

[0060] As described above, the puzzle ring 10 according to this embodiment requires players to be aware of the depth direction when solving it, thus maintaining the player's interest and motivation to create solutions. Furthermore, since players are expected to use various techniques, such as rotating the puzzle ring 10 while solving it, their spatial awareness can be enhanced while solving the puzzle.

[0061] [2. Second Embodiment] The second embodiment of the puzzle ring 11 will be described using Figures 9 to 22. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the puzzle ring in one embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the first embodiment, the puzzle ring 11 in the second embodiment is a puzzle that uses a string 20. The player enjoys the puzzle ring 11 by removing the string 20 that is wrapped around a support (for example, the first support 110) provided on the puzzle ring 11, or by wrapping a string 20 that is not wrapped around any support around a specific support. In the following description, the description of a configuration similar to that of the puzzle ring 10 in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0062] [2-1. Structure of the 11th Brain Teaser Puzzle] As shown in Figure 9, the puzzle ring 11 has a base 900, a first ring section 100, a first support column 110, a second ring section 200, a second support column 210, a top section 220, a third ring section 300, a third support column 310, a fourth ring section 400, a fourth support column 410, a fifth ring section 500, and a fifth support column 510. The first support column 110, the second support column 210, the third support column 310, the fourth support column 410, and the fifth support column 510 are connected to the upper surface 901 of the base 900. In the method of playing the puzzle ring 11, a string 20 is used for the puzzle ring 11. In this embodiment, the string 20 is in the shape of a closed loop, but it is not limited to this configuration.

[0063] The first annular section 100 is provided on a first virtual plane (not shown) that is substantially parallel to the upper surface 901. The first virtual plane is a plane that extends in the front-back, left-right, and right directions (directions D1 to D4). The first support column 110 is connected to the base 900 and the first annular section 100. The first support column 110 is connected to the base 900 at a first connection point 111 and extends upward (direction D5) from the base 900. The first annular section 100 is connected to the upper end of the first support column 110.

[0064] The second annular section 200 is located on a second virtual plane (not shown) that is substantially parallel to the top surface 901. The second virtual plane is a plane that extends in the front-back, left-right, and right directions, similar to the first virtual plane, and is located above the first virtual plane. The second support column 210 is connected to the base 900, the second annular section 200, and the top section 220. The second support column 210 is connected to the base 900 at the second connection point 211, extends upward from the base 900, passes inside the first annular section 100 and the fifth annular section 500, passes outside the third annular section 300 and the fourth annular section 400. The top section 220 is connected to the upper end of the second support column 210. The second annular section 200 is connected to the middle section of the second support column 210. More specifically, the second annular section 200 is connected to the second support column 210 between the first annular section 100 and the third annular section 300.

[0065] The third annular section 300 is provided on a third virtual plane (not shown) that is substantially parallel to the upper surface 901. The third virtual plane is a plane that extends in the front-back, left-right, and right directions, similar to the first and second virtual planes, and is located above the first and second virtual planes. The third support column 310 is connected to the base 900 and the third annular section 300. The third support column 310 is connected to the base 900 at the third connection point 311, extends upward from the base 900, passes outside the first annular section 100, and passes inside the second annular section 200. The third annular section 300 is connected to the upper end of the third support column 310.

[0066] The fourth annular section 400 is located on a fourth virtual plane (not shown) that is substantially parallel to the upper surface 901. The fourth virtual plane is a plane that extends in the front-back, left-right, and right directions, similar to the first to third virtual planes, and is located above the first to third virtual planes. The fourth support column 410 is connected to the base 900 and the fourth annular section 400. The fourth support column 410 is connected to the base 900 at the fourth connection point 411, extends upward from the base 900, passes outside the first annular section 100 and the second annular section 200, and passes inside the third annular section 300. The fourth annular section 400 is connected to the upper end of the fourth support column 410.

[0067] The fifth annular section 500 is located on a fifth virtual plane (not shown) that is substantially parallel to the upper surface 901. The fifth virtual plane is a plane that extends in the front, back, left, and right directions, similar to the first to fourth virtual planes, and is located above the first to fourth virtual planes. The fifth support column 510 is connected to the base 900 and the fifth annular section 500. The fifth support column 510 is connected to the base 900 at the fifth connection point 511, extends upward from the base 900, passes outside the first annular section 100, outside the second annular section 200, and outside the third annular section 300, and passes inside the fourth annular section 400. The fifth annular section 500 is connected to the upper end of the fifth support column 510.

[0068] As described above, in this embodiment, the first virtual plane on which the first annular portion 100 is provided, the second virtual plane on which the second annular portion 200 is provided, the third virtual plane on which the third annular portion 300 is provided, the fourth virtual plane on which the fourth annular portion 400 is provided, and the fifth virtual plane on which the fifth annular portion 500 is provided are all substantially parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the upper surface 901. However, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration. For example, at least one of the first to fifth virtual planes does not have to be parallel to the other virtual planes. For example, at least one of the first to fifth virtual planes may be inclined with respect to the upper surface 901, or it may be perpendicular to the upper surface 901. The first annular portion 100, the second annular portion 200, the third annular portion 300, the fourth annular portion 400, and the fifth annular portion 500 do not necessarily have to be provided on the above virtual planes.

[0069] In a plan view (when viewing the puzzle ring 11 in the D6 direction), the first support column 110 is connected to the base 900 on the outside of each of the second ring section 200, the third ring section 300, the fourth ring section 400, and the fifth ring section 500. In a plan view, the second support column 210 is connected to the base 900 on the inside of each of the first ring section 100 and the fifth ring section 500, and on the outside of each of the third ring section 300 and the fourth ring section 400. In a plan view, the third support column 310 is connected to the base 900 on the inside of the second ring section 200, and on the outside of each of the first ring section 100, the fourth ring section 400, and the fifth ring section 500. In plan view, the fourth support column 410 is connected to the base 900 inside the third annular section 300 and outside each of the first annular section 100, the second annular section 200, and the fifth annular section 500. The fifth support column 510 is connected to the base 900 inside the fourth support column 410 and outside each of the first annular section 100, the second annular section 200, and the third annular section 300. However, the positional relationship of each support column and each annular section in plan view is not limited to the above configuration.

[0070] In this embodiment, each of the first support column 110, the second support column 210, the third support column 310, the fourth support column 410, and the fifth support column 510 has a linear shape in the vertical direction (direction D5 and direction D6). However, the shape of these columns is not limited to the above shape. For example, these columns may have a partially bent shape or a curved shape.

[0071] In this embodiment, a configuration is illustrated in which the first annular section 100, the third annular section 300, the fourth annular section 400, and the fifth annular section 500 are provided at the top of the first support column 110, the third support column 310, the fourth support column 410, and the fifth support column 510, respectively, but the configuration is not limited to this. The first support column 110 may protrude upward from the first annular section 100, the third support column 310 may protrude upward from the third annular section 300, the fourth support column 410 may protrude upward from the fourth annular section 400, and the fifth support column 510 may protrude upward from the fifth annular section 500. In this case, a member similar to the top portion 220 may be provided at the top of each of the first support column 110, the third support column 310, the fourth support column 410, and the fifth support column 510.

[0072] The shape of the top of the head 220 is spherical, but it is not limited to this shape, and a variety of shapes can be adopted. The top of the head 220 is preferably shaped in a way that prevents injury to the player, and for example it may be ring-shaped, or it may be an object modeled after a doll or animal, and a variety of shapes can be adopted.

[0073] In this embodiment, the first annular section 100, the second annular section 200, the third annular section 300, the fourth annular section 400, and the fifth annular section 500 are integrally formed with the first support column 110, the second support column 210, the third support column 310, the fourth support column 410, and the fifth support column 510, respectively. These can be formed by preparing the annular section and the support column separately and welding or bonding them together. However, the annular section and the support column do not have to be integrally formed. For example, the annular section and the support column may be detachable. Also, in this embodiment, each annular section is in the shape of a completely closed loop, but the embodiment is not limited to this configuration. For example, the annular section and the support column can be integrally formed by bending the upper part of the support column to curve it into an annular shape. In this case, the annular section does not have to be in the shape of a completely closed loop. That is, there may be a gap in a part of the annular section that is not large enough for the string 20 to pass through.

[0074] [2-2. Positional relationship of each connection point] Figure 10 shows the arrangement of the contact points between the support pillars and the base of a puzzle in one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 10, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the upper surface 901 of the base 900, the second connection point 211 is located inside the rectangle formed by the connection of the first connection point 111, the third connection point 311, the fourth connection point 411, and the fifth connection point 511. As shown in Figure 9, the second support pillar 210 passes inside the fifth annular section 500, the third support pillar 310 passes inside the second annular section 200, the fourth support pillar 410 passes inside the third annular section 300, and the fifth support pillar 510 passes inside the fourth annular section 400. Therefore, if the sizes of the second annular section 200, the third annular section 300, the fourth annular section 400, and the fifth annular section 500 are the same, it is preferable that the distance between the second connection point 211 and the third connection point 311, the distance between the third connection point 311 and the fourth connection point 411, the distance between the fourth connection point 411 and the fifth connection point 511, and the distance between the fifth connection point 511 and the second connection point 211 are equal. However, these distances do not necessarily have to be the same. In Figure 10, a configuration in which the quadrilateral formed by the second connection point 211, the third connection point 311, the fourth connection point 411, and the fifth connection point 511 is a square is illustrated, but the shape of the quadrilateral is not limited to this.

[0075] This configuration requires players to be aware of the depth direction when solving the puzzle, thus providing a brain teaser puzzle that can sustain players' interest and motivation to create solutions. Furthermore, since players are expected to use various techniques, such as rotating the brain teaser puzzle 11 while solving it, their spatial reasoning abilities can be enhanced while solving the puzzle.

[0076] [2-3. Solution to Puzzle 11] Using Figures 11 to 22, the solution method for the puzzle ring 11 shown in Figure 9 will be explained. In the gameplay of the puzzle ring 11, a string 20 is used with respect to the puzzle ring 11. The player starts with the string 20 wrapped only around the first support 110 and aims to remove the string 20 from the puzzle ring 11. In this embodiment of the puzzle ring 11, as will be explained below, an advanced technique is required to deliberately twist the string 20 during the process of solving the puzzle ring 11 in order to prevent the string 20 from becoming entangled with the support and becoming impossible to untangle.

[0077] As shown in Figure 11 (2A), initially the string 20 is wrapped only around the first support post 110. From this state, the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210, passing upward (in the D5 direction) through the area in front of the second support 210 (in the D3 direction) within the inner region of the first annular section 100 (1), moves upward along the third support 310, passing upward inside the second annular section 200 in the region closer to the second support 210 than the third support 310 (2), moves upward along the fourth support 410, passing upward inside the third annular section 300 in the region closer to the second support 210 than the fourth support 410 (3), passing upward inside the fourth annular section 400 (4), and moves upward along the left rear of the second support 210, passing upward inside the fifth annular section 500 (5). As a result of this operation, as shown in Figure 11(2B), the string 20 passes through the first annular section 100, the second annular section 200, the third annular section 300, the fourth annular section 400, and the fifth annular section 500, and ends up protruding above the fifth annular section 500.

[0078] Next, as shown in (2B) of Figure 11, the string 20 is twisted once counterclockwise (6). That is, the string 20 rotates in the order of D4 direction → D2 direction → D3 direction. As a result of this action, as shown in (2C) of Figure 11, the string 20 protrudes above the fifth ring portion 500 in a twisted state. Note that this twisting action of the string 20 prevents the string 20 from becoming entangled with the support column. Conversely, if the string 20 is not twisted once counterclockwise at this timing in this solution, the string 20 will become entangled with the support column afterward, and it will be impossible to remove the string 20 from the puzzle ring 11. Of course, both the direction and the number of twists of the string 20 are important.

[0079] Next, as shown in Figure 11 (2C), the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210 and crosses the top 220 to the right (7). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210 and passes downward through the inside of the fifth annular section 500 (8). As a result of this movement, as shown in Figure 11 (2D), the string 20 passes through the first annular section 100, the second annular section 200, the third annular section 300, and the fourth annular section 400, and becomes entangled with the second support 210 below the fifth annular section 500. At this point, the string 20 has been twisted once.

[0080] Next, as shown in Figure 11 (2D), the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the outside of the fifth annular section 500 (9), and then moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the right (10). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing below the outside of the fifth annular section 500 (11), and then moves downward along the fifth support 510, passing below the inside of the fourth annular section 400 (12). As a result of this movement, as shown in Figure 12 (2E), the string 20 passes through the first annular section 100, the second annular section 200, and the third annular section 300, and becomes entangled with the second support 210 and the fifth support 510 below the fourth annular section 400.

[0081] Next, as shown in Figure 12 (2E), the string 20 moves upward along the fifth support 510, passing above the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (13), moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the outside of the fifth annular section 500 (14), and moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the left (15). As a result of this movement, as shown in Figure 12 (2F), the string 20 passes through the first annular section 100, the second annular section 200, and the third annular section 300, and becomes entangled with the second support 210 and the fourth support 410 below the fourth annular section 400.

[0082] Next, as shown in (2F) of Figure 12, the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210 (16), passes upward inside the fifth annular section 500 (17), and moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the left (18). As a result of this movement, as shown in (2G) of Figure 12, the string 20 passes through the first annular section 100, the second annular section 200, the third annular section 300, and the fifth annular section 500 while detached from the fourth annular section 400, and ends up protruding above the fifth annular section 500.

[0083] Next, as shown in Figure 12 (2G), the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing downward inside the fifth annular section 500 (19), then moves downward along the fifth support 510, passing downward outside the fourth annular section 400 (20), and then moves downward along the fourth support 410, passing downward inside the third annular section 300 (21). As a result of this movement, as shown in Figure 12 (2H), the string 20 passes through the first annular section 100 and the second annular section 200, and becomes entangled with the fourth support 410 below the third annular section 300. In this state, the twist of the string 20 is released.

[0084] Next, as shown in (2H) of Figure 12, the string 20 moves upward along the fourth support 410, passing above the outside of the third annular section 300 (22), moves upward along the fifth support 510, passing above the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (23), moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the outside of the fifth annular section 500 (23), and moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the right (24). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing below the outside of the fifth annular section 500 (25), and moves downward along the fifth support 510, passing below the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (26). As a result of this action, as shown in Figure 13(2I), the string 20 passes through the first annular section 100 and the second annular section 200, and becomes entangled with the second support column 210, the third support column 310, and the fifth support column 510 below the third annular section 300.

[0085] Next, as shown in Figure 13 (2I), the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the outside of the second annular section 200, the third annular section 300, and the fourth annular section 400 (27), then moves further upward along the second support 210, passing above the inside of the fifth annular section 500 (27), and then moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the right (28). As a result of this movement, as shown in Figure 13 (2J), the string 20 passes over the first annular section 100, the second annular section 200, and the fifth annular section 500 while detached from the third annular section 300 and the fourth annular section 400, and becomes a protruding part above the fifth annular section 500.

[0086] Next, as shown in (2J) of Figure 13, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing downward inside the fifth annular section 500 (29), and then moves downward along the fifth support 510, passing downward outside the fourth annular section 400 (30). As a result of this movement, as shown in (2K) of Figure 13, the string 20 passes through the first annular section 100 and the second annular section 200, becomes entangled with the third support 310 below the third annular section 300, and becomes entangled with the fifth support 510 below the fourth annular section 400.

[0087] Next, as shown in (2K) of Figure 13, the string 20 moves upward along the fifth support 510, passing above the inside of the fourth annular section 400 (31), moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the outside of the fifth annular section 500 (32), and moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the left (33). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing below the outside of the fifth annular section 500 (34). As a result of this operation, as shown in (2L) of Figure 13, the string 20 passes through the first annular section 100, the second annular section 200, and the fourth annular section 400 while detached from the third annular section 300, and becomes entangled with the third support column 310 below the third annular section 300, and with the second support column 210 below the fifth annular section 500.

[0088] Next, as shown in (2L) of Figure 13, the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the inside of the fifth annular section 500 (35), and then moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the right (36). As a result of this movement, as shown in (2M) of Figure 14, the string 20, detached from the third annular section 300, passes through the first annular section 100, the second annular section 200, the fourth annular section 400, and the fifth annular section 500, and protrudes above the fifth annular section 500. Note that in this state, in (2M) of Figure 14, the string 20 is twisted above the fourth annular section 400, but since the tip of the string 20 is detached from the second support 210, the twist of the string 20 is eliminated.

[0089] Next, as shown in (2M) of Figure 14, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing downward inside the fifth annular section 500 (37), then moves downward along the fifth support 510, passing downward inside the fourth annular section 400 (38), and then moves downward along the fourth support 410, passing downward outside the third annular section 300 (39). As a result of this movement, as shown in (2N) of Figure 14, the string 20 passes through the first annular section 100 and becomes entangled with the third support 310 below the second annular section 200. In this state, the string 20 is twisted once between the first support 110 and the third support 310.

[0090] Next, as shown in (2N) of Figure 14, the string 20 moves upward along the third support 310, passing above the outside of the second annular section 200 (40), moves upward along the fourth support 410, passing above the outside of the third annular section 300 (41), moves upward along the fifth support 510, passing above the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (42), moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the outside of the fifth annular section 500 (42), and moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the right (43). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing below the outside of the fifth annular section 500 (44), and moves downward along the fifth support 510, passing below the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (45). As a result of this action, as shown in Figure 14(2O), the string 20 passes through the first annular section 100 and becomes entangled with the second support 210, the fourth support 410, and the fifth support 510 below the second annular section 200. In this state, the twist of the string 20 is released.

[0091] Next, as shown in Figure 14 (2O), the string 20 moves upward along the fifth support 510, passing above the inside of the fourth annular section 400 (46), then moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the outside of the fifth annular section 500 (47), and then moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the left (48). As a result of this movement, as shown in Figure 14 (2P), the string 20 passes through the first annular section 100 and the fourth annular section 400 while detached from the second annular section 200 and the third annular section 300, and becomes entangled with the second support 210 below the fifth annular section 500.

[0092] Next, as shown in (2P) of Figure 14, the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the inside of the fifth annular section 500 (49), and then moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the right (50). As a result of this movement, as shown in (2Q) of Figure 15, the string 20 passes through the first annular section 100, the fourth annular section 400, and the fifth annular section 500 while detached from the second annular section 200 and the third annular section 300, and ends up protruding above the fifth annular section 500.

[0093] Next, as shown in (2Q) of Figure 15, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210 and passes downward inside the fifth annular section 500 (51), moves downward along the fifth support 510 and passes downward inside the fourth annular section 400 (52), and moves downward along the fourth support 410 and passes downward outside the third annular section 300 (53). As a result of this movement, as shown in (2R) of Figure 15, the string 20 passes through the first annular section 100 and becomes entangled with the fourth support 410 below the third annular section 300.

[0094] Next, as shown in (2R) of Figure 15, the string 20 moves upward along the fourth support 410, passing above the inside of the third annular section 300 (54), moves upward along the fifth support 510, passing above the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (55), moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the outside of the fifth annular section 500 (55), and moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the right (56). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing below the outside of the fifth annular section 500 (57). As a result of this action, as shown in (2S) of Figure 15, the string 20 passes through the first annular section 100 and the third annular section 300 while detached from the second annular section 200, and becomes entangled with the second support column 210 and the fifth support column 510 below the fifth annular section 500.

[0095] Next, as shown in (2S) of Figure 15, the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210, passing upward inside the fifth annular section 500 (58), and then moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the left (59). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing downward inside the fifth annular section 500 (60), and then moves further downward along the fifth support 510, encircling the outer circumference of the fourth annular section 400 and crossing the fourth annular section 400 downward (61). As a result of this movement, as shown in (2T) of Figure 15, the string 20, having detached from the second annular section 200, passes through the first annular section 100 and the third annular section 300, and becomes entangled with the fifth support 510 below the fourth annular section 400.

[0096] Next, as shown in (2T) of Figure 15, the string 20 moves upward along the fifth support 510, passing upward inside the fourth annular section 400 (62), then moves upward along the second support 210, passing upward outside the fifth annular section 500 (63), and then moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the left (64). As a result of this movement, as shown in (2U) of Figure 16, the string 20, having detached from the second annular section 200, passes through the first annular section 100, the third annular section 300, and the fourth annular section 400, and becomes entangled with the second support 210 below the fifth annular section 500. In this state, the string 20 is twisted once between the second support 210 below the second annular section 200 and the second support 210 above the second annular section 200.

[0097] Next, as shown in (2U) of Figure 16, the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the inside of the fifth annular section 500 (65), and then moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the left (66). As a result of this movement, as shown in (2V) of Figure 16, the string 20, while detached from the second annular section 200, passes through the first annular section 100, the third annular section 300, the fourth annular section 400, and the fifth annular section 500, and ends up protruding above the fifth annular section 500. In this state, the string 20 is twisted, but since the tip of the string 20 is detached from the second support 210, the twist of the string 20 is eliminated.

[0098] Next, as shown in (2V) of Figure 16, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing downward inside the fifth annular section 500 (67), moves downward along the fifth support 510, passing downward inside the fourth annular section 400 (68), moves downward along the fourth support 410, passing downward inside the third annular section 300 (69), moves downward along the third support 310, passing downward outside the second annular section 200, and moves downward along the second support 210, passing downward inside the first annular section 100 (70). As a result of this movement, as shown in (2W) of Figure 16, the string 20 falls onto the base 900 and becomes entangled with the first support 110 and the second support 210.

[0099] Next, as shown in (2W) of Figure 16, the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210 and crosses above the perimeter of the first annular section 100 (71). As a result of this movement, as shown in (2X) of Figure 16, the string 20 becomes entangled with the second support 210 above the first annular section 100.

[0100] Next, as shown in (2X) of Figure 16, the string 20 moves upward along the third support 310 and passes upward inside the second annular section 200 (72), moves upward along the fourth support 410 and passes upward inside the third annular section 300 (73), continues to pass upward inside the fourth annular section 400 (74), and moves upward along the second support 210 and passes upward inside the fifth annular section 500 (75). As a result of this movement, as shown in (2Y) of Figure 17, the string 20 has passed through the second annular section 200, the third annular section 300, the fourth annular section 400, and the fifth annular section 500 while detached from the first annular section 100, and is now protruding above the fifth annular section 500.

[0101] Next, as shown in (2Y) of Figure 17, the string 20 is twisted twice counterclockwise (76). That is, the string 20 rotates twice in the order of D4 direction → D2 direction → D3 direction → D1 direction → D4 direction. As a result of this action, as shown in (2Z) of Figure 17, the string 20 protrudes above the fifth ring portion 500 after being twisted twice. As described above, this twisting action of the string 20 prevents the string 20 from becoming entangled with the support column. Conversely, if the string 20 is not twisted twice counterclockwise at this timing in this solution, the string 20 will become entangled with the support column afterward, and it will be impossible to remove the string 20 from the puzzle ring 10. Of course, both the direction and the number of twists of the string 20 are important.

[0102] Next, as shown in Figure 17 (2Z), the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210 and crosses the top 220 to the right (77). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210 and passes downward inside the fifth annular section 500 (78). As a result of this movement, as shown in Figure 17 (2AA), the string 20, having detached from the first annular section 100, passes through the second annular section 200, the third annular section 300, and the fourth annular section 400, and becomes entangled with the second support 210 below the fifth annular section 500. In this state, the string 20 is twisted twice between the second support 210 below the second annular section 200 and the second support 210 above the second annular section 200.

[0103] Next, as shown in (2AA) of Figure 17, the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the outside of the fifth annular section 500 (79), and then moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the right (80). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing below the outside of the fifth annular section 500 (81), and then moves downward along the fifth support 510, passing below the inside of the fourth annular section 400 (82). As a result of this movement, as shown in (2AB) of Figure 17, the string 20 passes through the second annular section 200 and the third annular section 300 while detached from the first annular section 100, and becomes entangled with the fifth support 510 below the fourth annular section 400.

[0104] Next, as shown in (2AB) of Figure 17, the string 20 moves upward along the fifth support 510, passing above the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (83), then moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the outside of the fifth annular section 500 (84), and then moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the left (85). As a result of this movement, as shown in (2AC) of Figure 18, the string 20, having detached from the first annular section 100, passes through the second annular section 200 and the third annular section 300, and becomes entangled with the second support 210 and the fourth support 410 below the fourth annular section 400.

[0105] Next, as shown in (2AC) of Figure 18, the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210 (86), passes upward inside the fifth annular section 500 (87), and moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the left (88). As a result of this movement, as shown in (2AD) of Figure 18, the string 20 passes through the second annular section 200, the third annular section 300, and the fifth annular section 500 while detached from the first annular section 100 and the fourth annular section 400, and ends up protruding above the fifth annular section 500.

[0106] Next, as shown in (2AD) of Figure 18, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing downward inside the fifth annular section 500 (89), then moves downward along the fifth support 510, passing downward outside the fourth annular section 400 (90), and then moves downward along the fourth support 410, passing downward inside the third annular section 300 (91). As a result of this movement, as shown in (2AE) of Figure 18, the string 20 passes through the second annular section 200 while detached from the first annular section 100, and becomes entangled with the fourth support 410 below the third annular section 300. In this state, the string 20 is twisted once.

[0107] Next, as shown in (2AE) of Figure 18, the string 20 moves upward along the fourth support 410, passing above the outside of the third annular section 300 (92), moves upward along the fifth support 510, passing above the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (93), moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the outside of the fifth annular section 500 (93), and moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the right (94). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing below the outside of the fifth annular section 500 (95), and moves downward along the fifth support 510, passing below the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (96). As a result of this action, as shown in (2AF) of Figure 18, the string 20 passes through the second annular section 200 while detached from the first annular section 100, and becomes entangled with the second support column 210, the third support column 310, and the fifth support column 510 below the third annular section 300.

[0108] Next, as shown in (2AF) of Figure 18, the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the outside of the second annular section 200, the third annular section 300, and the fourth annular section 400 (97), then moves further upward along the second support 210, passing above the inside of the fifth annular section 500 (97), and then moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the right (98). As a result of this movement, as shown in (2AG) of Figure 19, the string 20 passes above the second annular section 200 and the fifth annular section 500 while detached from the first annular section 100, the third annular section 300, and the fourth annular section 400, and becomes a protruding part above the fifth annular section 500.

[0109] Next, as shown in (2AG) of Figure 19, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing downward inside the fifth annular section 500 (99), and then moves downward along the fifth support 510, passing downward outside the fourth annular section 400 (100). As a result of this movement, as shown in (2AH) of Figure 19, the string 20 passes through the second annular section 200 while detached from the first annular section 100, and becomes entangled with the third support 310 and the fifth support 510 below the third annular section 300.

[0110] Next, as shown in (2AH) of Figure 19, the string 20 moves upward along the fifth support 510, passing above the inside of the fourth annular section 400 (101), moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the outside of the fifth annular section 500 (102), and moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the left (103). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing below the outside of the fifth annular section 500 (104). As a result of this operation, as shown in (2AI) of Figure 19, the string 20 passes through the second annular section 200 and the fourth annular section 400 while detached from the first annular section 100 and the third annular section 300, becomes entangled with the third support 310 below the third annular section 300, and becomes entangled with the second support 210 below the fifth annular section 500. In this state, the string 20 is twisted twice between the second support 210 below the second annular section 200 and the second support 210 above the second annular section 200.

[0111] Next, as shown in (2AI) of Figure 19, the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the inside of the fifth annular section 500 (105), and then moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the right (106). As a result of this movement, as shown in (2AJ) of Figure 19, the string 20 passes through the second annular section 200, the fourth annular section 400, and the fifth annular section 500 while detached from the first annular section 100 and the third annular section 300, and ends up protruding above the fifth annular section 500. Note that in this state, in (2AJ) of Figure 19, the string 20 is twisted above the fourth annular section 400, but since the tip of the string 20 is detached from the second support 210, the twist at the top of the string 20 is eliminated.

[0112] Next, as shown in (2AJ) of Figure 19, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing downward inside the fifth annular section 500 (107), moves downward along the fifth support 510, passing downward inside the fourth annular section 400 (108), and moves downward along the fourth support 410, passing downward outside the third annular section 300 (109). As a result of this movement, as shown in (2AK) of Figure 20, the string 20 falls onto the base 900 and becomes entangled with the first support 110, the second support 210, and the third support 310.

[0113] Next, as shown in (2AK) of Figure 20, the string 20 moves upward along the third support 310, passing above the outside of the second annular section 200 (110), moves upward along the fourth support 410, passing above the outside of the third annular section 300 (111), moves upward along the fifth support 510, passing above the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (112), moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the outside of the fifth annular section 500 (112), and moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top 220 to the right (113). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing below the outside of the fifth annular section 500 (114), and moves downward along the fifth support 510, passing below the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (115). As a result of this action, as shown in (2AL) of Figure 20, the string 20 falls onto the base 900 and becomes entangled with the fourth support column 410 and the fifth support column 510.

[0114] Next, as shown in (2AL) of Figure 20, the string 20 moves upward along the fifth support 510, passing upward inside the fourth annular section 400 (116), then moves upward along the second support 210, passing upward outside the fifth annular section 500 (117), and then moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the left (118). As a result of this movement, as shown in (2AM) of Figure 20, the string 20 passes through the fourth annular section 400 while detached from the first annular section 100, the second annular section 200, and the third annular section 300, and becomes entangled with the second support 210 below the fifth annular section 500.

[0115] Next, as shown in (2AM) of Figure 20, the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the inside of the fifth annular section 500 (119), and then moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the right (120). As a result of this movement, as shown in (2AN) of Figure 20, the string 20 passes through the fourth annular section 400 and the fifth annular section 500 while detached from the first annular section 100, the second annular section 200, and the third annular section 300, and ends up protruding above the fifth annular section 500.

[0116] Next, as shown in (2AN) of Figure 20, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing downward inside the fifth annular section 500 (121), moves downward along the fifth support 510, passing downward inside the fourth annular section 400 (122), and moves downward along the fourth support 410, passing downward outside the third annular section 300 (123). As a result of this movement, as shown in (2AO) of Figure 21, the string 20 falls onto the base 900 and becomes entangled only with the fourth support 410.

[0117] Next, as shown in (2AO) of Figure 21, the string 20 moves upward along the fourth support 410, passing above the inside of the third annular section 300 (125), moves upward along the fifth support 510, passing above the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (126), moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the outside of the fifth annular section 500 (127), and moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the right (128). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing below the outside of the fifth annular section 500 (129). As a result of this action, as shown in (2AP) of Figure 21, the string 20 passes through the third annular section 300 while detached from the first annular section 100 and the second annular section 200, and becomes entangled with the second support column 210 and the fifth support column 510 below the fifth annular section 500.

[0118] Next, as shown in (2AP) of Figure 21, the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210, passing upward inside the fifth annular section 500 (130), and then moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the left (131). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing downward inside the fifth annular section 500 (132), and then moves downward along the fifth support 510, encircling the outer perimeter of the fourth annular section 400 and crossing the fourth annular section 400 downward (133). As a result of this movement, as shown in (2AQ) of Figure 21, the string 20 passes through the third annular section 300 while detached from the first annular section 100 and the second annular section 200, and becomes entangled with the second support 210 and the fifth support 510 below the fourth annular section 400.

[0119] Next, as shown in (2AQ) of Figure 21, the string 20 moves upward along the fifth support 510, passing above the inside of the fourth annular section 400 (134), then moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the outside of the fifth annular section 500 (135), and then moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the left (136). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing below the outside of the fifth annular section 500 (137). As a result of this movement, as shown in (2AR) of Figure 21, the string 20 passes through the third annular section 300 and the fourth annular section 400 while detached from the first annular section 100 and the second annular section 200, and becomes entangled with the second support 210 below the fifth annular section 500.

[0120] Next, as shown in (2AR) of Figure 21, the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210, passing upward inside the fifth annular section 500 (138), and then moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the left (139). As a result of this movement, as shown in (2AS) of Figure 22, the string 20 passes through the third annular section 300, the fourth annular section 400, and the fifth annular section 500 while detached from the first annular section 100 and the second annular section 200, and ends up protruding above the fifth annular section 500.

[0121] Next, as shown in (2AS) of Figure 22, the string 20 is removed from the puzzle ring 11 by moving downward along the second support 210 and passing downward inside the fifth ring section 500 (140), moving downward along the fifth support 510 and passing downward inside the fourth ring section 400 (141), moving downward along the fourth support 410 and passing downward inside the third ring section 300 (142), moving downward along the third support 310 and passing downward outside the second ring section 200 (143), and moving downward along the second support 210 and passing downward outside the first ring section 100 (144).

[0122] As described above, the puzzle ring 11 according to this embodiment requires players to be aware of the depth direction when solving it, thus maintaining the player's interest and motivation to create solutions. Furthermore, since players are expected to use various techniques, such as rotating the puzzle ring 11 while solving it, their spatial awareness can be enhanced while solving the puzzle. As described above, the puzzle ring 11 according to the second embodiment is only different from the puzzle ring 10 according to the first embodiment in that it has a fifth ring section 500 and a fifth support column 510 added, but the difficulty level increases step by step, thus maintaining the player's interest and motivation to create solutions.

[0123] [3. Third Embodiment] The third embodiment of the puzzle ring 12 will be described using Figures 23 to 30. Figure 23 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the puzzle ring in one embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the first and second embodiments, the puzzle ring 12 in the third embodiment is a puzzle that uses a string 20. The player enjoys the puzzle ring 12 by removing the string 20 that is wrapped around a support (for example, the first support 110) provided on the puzzle ring 12, or by wrapping a string 20 that is not wrapped around any support around a specific support. In the following description, the same configuration as the puzzle ring puzzles 10 and 11 of the first and second embodiments will not be described.

[0124] [3-1. The structure of the 12-part brain teaser puzzle] As shown in Figure 23, the puzzle ring 12 according to the third embodiment is similar to the puzzle ring 10 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 1, but differs from the puzzle ring 10 according to the first embodiment in that it is equipped with a sixth ring portion 600 and a sixth support column 610. In the following description, the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be omitted from the description, and the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0125] The sixth annular section 600 is located on a sixth virtual plane (not shown) that is substantially parallel to the upper surface 901. The sixth virtual plane is a plane that extends in the front, back, left, and right directions, similar to the first to fourth virtual planes, and is located below the first virtual plane. In other words, the sixth annular section 600 is located between the base 900 and the first annular section 100. The sixth support column 610 is connected to the base 900 and the sixth annular section 600. The sixth support column 610 is connected to the base 900 at the sixth connection point 611 and extends upward from the base 900. The first support column 110 extends downward from the first annular section 100, passes inside the sixth annular section 600, and is connected to the base 900. On the other hand, the second support column 210, the third support column 310, and the fourth support column 410 extend downward from the second annular section 200, the third annular section 300, and the fourth annular section 400, respectively, passing outside the sixth annular section 600 and connecting to the base 900.

[0126] In this embodiment, the first virtual plane on which the first annular portion 100 is provided, the second virtual plane on which the second annular portion 200 is provided, the third virtual plane on which the third annular portion 300 is provided, the fourth virtual plane on which the fourth annular portion 400 is provided, and the sixth virtual plane on which the sixth annular portion 600 is provided are all substantially parallel to each other and substantially parallel to the upper surface 901. However, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration. For example, at least one of the first to fourth virtual planes and the sixth virtual plane does not have to be parallel to the other virtual planes. For example, at least one of the first to fourth virtual planes and the sixth virtual plane may be inclined with respect to the upper surface 901, or it may be perpendicular to the upper surface 901. The first annular portion 100, the second annular portion 200, the third annular portion 300, the fourth annular portion 400, and the sixth annular portion 600 do not necessarily have to be provided on the above virtual planes.

[0127] In a plan view (when viewing the puzzle ring 12 in the D6 direction), the first support column 110 is connected to the base 900 inside the sixth ring section 600. In a plan view, the second support column 210, the third support column 310, and the fourth support column 410 are each connected to the base 900 outside the sixth ring section 600. However, the positional relationship of each support column and each ring section in a plan view is not limited to the above configuration.

[0128] In this embodiment, the sixth support column 610 is shown as having a straight shape in the vertical direction, but the embodiment is not limited to this configuration. For example, these support columns may have a partially bent shape or a curved shape.

[0129] Furthermore, although this embodiment illustrates a configuration in which the sixth annular portion 600 is provided at the uppermost part of the sixth support column 610, the configuration is not limited to this. The sixth support column 610 may protrude upward from the sixth annular portion 600. In this case, a member similar to the top portion 220 may be provided at the uppermost part of the sixth support column 610.

[0130] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sixth annular portion 600 is integrally formed with the sixth support column 610. These can be formed by preparing the annular portion and the support column separately and welding or bonding them together. However, the annular portion and the support column do not have to be integrally formed. For example, the annular portion and the support column may be detachable. Also, in this embodiment, each annular portion is in the shape of a completely closed loop, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the annular portion and the support column can be integrally formed by bending the upper part of the support column to curve it into an annular shape. In this case, the annular portion does not have to be in the shape of a completely closed loop. That is, there may be a gap in a part of the annular portion that is not large enough for the string 20 to pass through.

[0131] [3-2. Positional relationship of each connection point] Figure 24 shows the arrangement of the contact points between the support pillars and the base of a puzzle in one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 24, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the upper surface 901 of the base 900, the second connection point 211 is located inside the triangle formed by the first connection point 111, the third connection point 311, and the fourth connection point 411. On the other hand, the sixth connection point 611 is located outside the said triangle. In Figure 24, the triangle formed by the first connection point 111, the third connection point 311, and the fourth connection point 411 is an isosceles triangle. As shown in Figure 23, the second support pillar 210 passes inside the fourth annular section 400, the third support pillar 310 passes inside the second annular section 200, and the fourth support pillar 410 passes inside the third annular section 300. Therefore, if the sizes of the second annular section 200, the third annular section 300, and the fourth annular section 400 are the same, it is preferable that the distance between the second connection point 211 and the third connection point 311, the distance between the third connection point 311 and the fourth connection point 411, and the distance between the fourth connection point 411 and the second connection point 211 are equal. However, these distances do not necessarily have to be the same. In Figure 24, an example is shown in which the triangle formed by the first connection point 111, the third connection point 311, and the fourth connection point 411 is an isosceles triangle, and the triangle formed by the second connection point 211, the third connection point 311, and the fourth connection point 411 is an equilateral triangle, but the shape of the triangle is not limited to this.

[0132] This configuration requires players to be aware of the depth direction when solving the puzzle, thus providing a brain teaser puzzle that can sustain players' interest and motivation to create solutions. Furthermore, since players are expected to use various techniques, such as rotating the brain teaser puzzle 12 while solving it, their spatial reasoning abilities can be enhanced while solving the puzzle.

[0133] [3-3. Solutions to 12 Brain Teaser Puzzles] Using Figures 25 to 30, the solution method for the puzzle ring 12 shown in Figure 23 will be explained. In the gameplay of the puzzle ring 12, a string 20 is used with respect to the puzzle ring 12. The player starts with the string 20 wrapped only around the sixth support 610 and aims to remove the string 20 from the puzzle ring 12. In this embodiment of the puzzle ring 12, as will be explained below, an advanced technique is required to deliberately twist the string 20 during the process of solving the puzzle ring 12 in order to prevent the string 20 from becoming entangled with the support and becoming impossible to untangle.

[0134] As shown in Figure 25 (3A), initially the string 20 is wrapped only around the sixth support post 610. From this state, the string 20 moves upward along the first support 110, passing upward (in the D5 direction) through the area in front of the first support 110 (in the D3 direction) within the inner region of the sixth annular section 600 (1), moves upward along the second support 210, passing upward through the area in front of the second support 210 within the inner region of the first annular section 100 (2), moves upward along the third support 310, passing upward inside the second annular section 200 in the region closer to the second support 210 than the third support 310 (3), moves upward along the fourth support 410, passing upward inside the third annular section 300 in the region closer to the second support 210 than the fourth support 410 (4), and moves upward along the second support 210, passing upward inside the fourth annular section 400 (5). As a result of this operation, as shown in Figure 25 (3B), the string 20 passes through the sixth annular section 600, the first annular section 100, the second annular section 200, the third annular section 300, and the fourth annular section 400, and ends up protruding above the fourth annular section 400.

[0135] Next, as shown in (3B) of Figure 25, the string 20 is twisted once clockwise (6). That is, the string 20 rotates in the order of D4 direction → D1 direction → D3 direction. As a result of this action, as shown in (3C) of Figure 25, the string 20 is twisted once and protrudes above the fifth ring portion 500. Note that this twisting action of the string 20 prevents the string 20 from becoming entangled with the support column. Conversely, if the string 20 is not twisted once clockwise at this timing in this solution, the string 20 will become entangled with the support column afterward, and it will be impossible to remove the string 20 from the puzzle ring 10. Of course, both the direction and the number of twists of the string 20 are important.

[0136] Next, as shown in (3C) of Figure 25, the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210 and passes over the top 220 to the right (direction D1) (7). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210 (direction D6) and passes downward inside the fourth annular section 400 (8). Subsequently, the string 20 folds back below the fourth annular section 400, moves upward along the second support 210 and passes over the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (9), and moves further upward along the second support 210 and passes over the top 220 to the left (direction D2) (10). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210 and passes downward outside the fourth annular section 400 (11), and moves downward along the fourth support 410 and passes downward inside the third annular section 300 (11). As a result of this operation, as shown in Figure 25 (3D), the string 20 passes through the sixth annular section 600, the first annular section 100, and the second annular section 200, and becomes entangled with the fourth support column 410 below the third annular section 300. In this state, the string 20 is twisted once between the sixth support column 610 and the fourth support column 410.

[0137] Next, as shown in (3D) of Figure 25, the string 20 moves upward along the fourth support 410, passing above the outside of the third annular section 300 (12), moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (13), and moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top of the head 220 to the right (direction D1) (14). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing below the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (15). Subsequently, the string 20 folds back below the fourth annular section 400, moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the inside of the fourth annular section 400 (16), and moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top of the head 220 to the left (17). Next, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing downward inside the fourth annular section 400 (18), then moves downward along the fourth support 410, passing downward outside the third annular section 300 (19), and then moves downward along the third support 310, passing downward inside the second annular section 200 (20). As a result of this movement, as shown in (3E) of Figure 26, the string 20 passes through the sixth annular section 600 and the first annular section 100, and becomes entangled with the third support 310 below the second annular section 200. In this state, the string 20 is twisted twice between the sixth support 610 and the third support 310.

[0138] Next, as shown in (3E) of Figure 26, the string 20 moves upward along the third support 310, passing above the outside of the second annular section 200 (21), moves upward along the fourth support 410, passing above the outside of the third annular section 300 (22), moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (23), and moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the right (direction D1) (24). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing below the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (25). As a result of this operation, as shown in (3F) of Figure 26, the string 20 passes through the sixth annular section 600 and the first annular section 100, becomes entangled with the second support 210 below the fourth annular section 400, and becomes entangled with the fourth support 410 below the third annular section 300. In this state, the string 20 is twisted once between the sixth support 610 and the second support 210.

[0139] Next, as shown in (3F) of Figure 26, the string 20 moves upward along the fourth support 410, passing above the inside of the third annular section 300 (26), moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (27), and moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top of the head 220 to the right (direction D1) (28). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing below the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (29). Subsequently, the string 20 folds back below the fourth annular section 400, moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the inside of the fourth annular section 400 (30), and moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top of the head 220 to the left (31). Next, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing downward inside the fourth annular section 400 (32), then moves downward along the fourth support 410, passing downward inside the third annular section 300 (33), and then moves downward along the third support 310, passing downward outside the second annular section 200 (34). As a result of this movement, as shown in (3G) of Figure 26, the string 20 passes through the sixth annular section 600 and becomes entangled with the second support 210 below the first annular section 100. In this state, the string 20 is twisted once between the sixth support 610 and the second support 210.

[0140] Next, as shown in (3G) of Figure 26, the string 20 is pulled out significantly forward (in the D3 direction), moves upward along the second support 210, passes above the outside of the first annular section 100, is pulled out further forward (in the D3 direction) towards the third support 310 (36), moves upward along the third support 310, passes above the outside of the second annular section 200 (37), moves upward along the fourth support 410, passes above the outside of the third annular section 300 (38), moves upward along the second support 210, passes above the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (39), and moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the right (40). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing below the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (41). As a result of this operation, as shown in (3H) of Figure 26, the string 20 passes through the sixth annular section 600, becomes entangled with the third support 310 below the second annular section 200, and becomes entangled with the fourth support 410 below the third annular section 300. In this state, the twist of the string 20 is released.

[0141] Next, as shown in (3H) of Figure 26, the string 20 moves upward along the fourth support 410, passing upward inside the third annular section 300 (42), then moves upward along the second support 210, passing upward outside the fourth annular section 400 (43), and then moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top of the head 220 to the right (44). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing downward outside the fourth annular section 400 (45). Then, the string 20 folds back below the fourth annular section 400, moves upward along the second support 210, passing upward inside the fourth annular section 400 (46), and then moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top of the head 220 to the left (47). Next, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210 and passes downward through the inside of the fourth annular section 400 (48). As a result of this movement, as shown in (3I) of Figure 27, the string 20 passes through the sixth annular section 600 and becomes entangled with the third support 310 below the second annular section 200.

[0142] Next, as shown in (3I) of Figure 27, the string 20 moves upward along the third support 310, passing above the inside of the second annular section 200 (49), moves upward along the fourth support 410, passing above the outside of the third annular section 300 (50), moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (51), and moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the right (52). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing below the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (53). Next, the string 20 folds back below the fourth annular section 400, moves upward along the second support 210, passes above the inside of the fourth annular section 400 (54), and moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the left (55). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing below the inside of the fourth annular section 400 (56). As a result of this movement, as shown in (3J) of Figure 27, the string 20 passes through the sixth annular section 600 and the second annular section 200 while detached from the first annular section 100, and becomes entangled with the fourth support 410 below the third annular section 300. In this state, the string 20 is twisted once between the first support 110 and the fourth support 410.

[0143] Next, as shown in (3J) of Figure 27, the string 20 moves upward along the fourth support 410, passing upward inside the third annular section 300 (57), then moves further upward along the second support 210, passing upward outside the fourth annular section 400 (58), and then moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top of the head 220 to the right (59). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing downward outside the fourth annular section 400 (60). Subsequently, the string 20 folds back below the fourth annular section 400, moves upward along the second support 210, passing upward inside the fourth annular section 400 (61), and then moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top of the head 220 to the left (62). Next, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing downward inside the fourth annular section 400 (63), then moves further downward along the fourth support 410, passing downward inside the third annular section 300 (64), then moves downward along the third support 310, passing downward inside the second annular section 200 (65), then moves downward along the second support 210, passing downward outside the first annular section 100 (66), and finally moves downward along the first support 110, passing downward inside the sixth annular section 600 (67). As a result of this movement, as shown in (3K) of Figure 27, the string 20 falls onto the base 900 and becomes entangled with the first support 110 and the sixth support 610.

[0144] Next, as shown in (3K) of Figure 27, the string 20 moves upward along the first support 110 and the sixth support 610, and passes over the perimeter of the sixth annular section 600 above (68). As a result of this movement, as shown in (3L) of Figure 27, the string 20 becomes entangled with the first support 110 above the sixth annular section 600.

[0145] Next, as shown in (3L) of Figure 27, the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210 and passes above the inside of the first annular section 100 (69), moves upward along the third support 310 and passes above the inside of the second annular section 200 (70), moves upward along the fourth support 410 and passes above the inside of the third annular section 300 (71), and moves upward along the second support 210 and passes above the inside of the fourth annular section 400 (72). As a result of this movement, as shown in (3M) of Figure 28, the string 20 has passed through the first annular section 100, the second annular section 200, the third annular section 300, and the fourth annular section 400 while detached from the sixth annular section 600, and is now protruding above the fourth annular section 400.

[0146] Next, as shown in (3M) of Figure 28, the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210 and passes over the top 220 to the right (73). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210 and passes downward inside the fourth annular section 400 (74). Subsequently, the string 20 folds back below the fourth annular section 400, moves upward along the second support 210 and passes over the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (75), and moves further upward along the second support 210 and passes over the top 220 to the left (76). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210 and passes downward inside the fourth annular section 400 (77). As a result of this action, as shown in (3N) of Figure 28, the string 20 passes through the first annular section 100 and the second annular section 200 while detached from the sixth annular section 600, and becomes entangled with the fourth support column 410 below the third annular section 300.

[0147] Next, as shown in (3N) of Figure 28, the string 20 moves upward along the fourth support 410, passing above the outside of the third annular section 300 (78), then moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (79), and then moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top of the head 220 to the right (80). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing below the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (81). Then, the string 20 folds back below the fourth annular section 400, moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the inside of the fourth annular section 400 (82), and then moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top of the head 220 to the left (83). Next, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing downward inside the fourth annular section 400 (84), then moves downward along the fourth support 410, passing downward outside the third annular section 300 (85), and then moves downward along the third support 310, passing downward inside the second annular section 200 (86). As a result of this movement, as shown in (3O) of Figure 28, the string 20 passes through the first annular section 100 while detached from the sixth annular section 600, and becomes entangled with the third support 310 below the second annular section 200. In this state, the string 20 is twisted once between the first support 110 and the third support 310.

[0148] Next, as shown in (3O) of Figure 28, the string 20 moves upward along the third support 310, passing above the outside of the second annular section 200 (87), moves upward along the fourth support 410, passing above the outside of the third annular section 300 (88), moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (89), and moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the right (90). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing below the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (91). As a result of this operation, as shown in (3P) of Figure 28, the string 20 passes through the first annular section 100 while detached from the sixth annular section 600, becomes entangled with the second support 210 below the fourth annular section 400, and becomes entangled with the fourth support 410 below the third annular section 300. In this state, the twist of the string 20 is resolved.

[0149] Next, as shown in (3P) of Figure 28, the string 20 moves upward along the fourth support 410, passing above the inside of the third annular section 300 (92), then moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (93), and then moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top of the head 220 to the right (direction D1) (94). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing below the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (95). Then, the string 20 folds back below the fourth annular section 400, moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the inside of the fourth annular section 400 (96), and then moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top of the head 220 to the left (97). Next, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing downward inside the fourth annular section 400 (98), then moves further downward along the fourth support 410, passing downward inside the third annular section 300 (99), then moves downward along the third support 310, passing downward outside the second annular section 200 (100), and finally moves downward along the second support 210, passing downward inside the first annular section 100 (101). As a result of this movement, as shown in (3Q) of Figure 29, the string 20 falls onto the base 900 and becomes entangled with the first support 110, the second support 210, and the sixth support 610.

[0150] Next, as shown in (3Q) of Figure 29, the string 20 moves upward along the first support 110, the second support 210, and the sixth support 610, crossing above the perimeter of the sixth annular section 600 (102), and then moves upward along the first support 110 and the second support 210, crossing above the perimeter of the first annular section 100 (103). As a result of this movement, as shown in (3R) of Figure 29, the string 20 becomes entangled with the second support 210 above the first annular section 100.

[0151] Next, as shown in (3R) of Figure 29, the string 20 moves upward along the third support 310 and passes above the inside of the second annular section 200 (104), moves upward along the fourth support 410 and passes above the inside of the third annular section 300 (105), and moves upward along the second support 210 and passes above the inside of the fourth annular section 400 (106). As a result of this movement, as shown in (3S) of Figure 29, the string 20 passes through the second annular section 200, the third annular section 300, and the fourth annular section 400 while detached from the first annular section 100 and the sixth annular section 600, and ends up protruding above the fourth annular section 400.

[0152] Next, as shown in (3S) of Figure 29, the string 20 is twisted once counterclockwise (107). That is, the string 20 rotates in the order of D4 direction → D2 direction → D3 direction. As a result of this action, as shown in (3T) of Figure 29, the string 20 protrudes above the fourth ring portion 400 in a twisted state. As described above, this twisting action of the string 20 prevents the string 20 from becoming entangled with the support column. Conversely, if the string 20 is not twisted once counterclockwise at this timing in this solution, the string 20 will become entangled with the support column afterward, and it will be impossible to remove the string 20 from the puzzle ring 10. Of course, both the direction and the number of twists of the string 20 are important.

[0153] Next, as shown in (3T) of Figure 29, the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210 and passes over the top 220 to the right (108). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210 and passes downward inside the fourth annular section 400 (109). Subsequently, the string 20 folds back below the fourth annular section 400, moves upward along the second support 210 and passes over the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (110), and moves further upward along the second support 210 and passes over the top 220 to the left (111). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210 and passes downward inside the fourth annular section 400 (112), and moves downward along the fourth support 410 and passes downward inside the third annular section 300 (113). As a result of this operation, as shown in (3U) of Figure 30, the string 20, having detached from the first annular section 100 and the sixth annular section 600, passes through the second annular section 200 in some places and becomes entangled with the fourth support column 410 below the third annular section 300. In this state, the string 20 is twisted once between the second support column 210 and the fourth support column 410.

[0154] Next, as shown in (3U) of Figure 30, the string 20 moves upward along the fourth support 410, passing above the outside of the third annular section 300 (114), moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (115), and moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the right (116). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing below the outside of the fourth annular section 400 (117). Subsequently, the string 20 folds back below the fourth annular section 400, moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the inside of the fourth annular section 400 (118), and moves further upward along the second support 210, crossing the top section 220 to the left (119). Next, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing downward inside the fourth annular section 400 (120), then moves downward along the fourth support 410, passing downward outside the third annular section 300 (121), and finally moves downward along the third support 310, passing downward inside the second annular section 200 (122). As a result of this movement, as shown in (3V) of Figure 30, the string 20 falls onto the base 900 and becomes entangled with the first support 110, the second support 210, the third support 310, and the sixth support 610.

[0155] Next, as shown in (3V) of Figure 30, the string 20 moves upward along the third support 310, passing above the outside of the second annular section 200 (123), moves upward along the fourth support 410, passing above the inside of the third annular section 300 (124), and moves upward along the second support 210, passing above the inside of the fourth annular section 400 (125). As a result of this movement, as shown in (3W) of Figure 30, the string 20 passes through the third annular section 300 and the fourth annular section 400 while detached from the first annular section 100, the second annular section 200, and the sixth annular section 600, and protrudes above the fourth annular section 400.

[0156] Next, as shown in (3W) of Figure 30, the string 20 moves upward along the second support 210 and crosses the top 220 to the right (126). Subsequently, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210 and passes downward inside the fourth annular section 400 (127). Subsequently, the string 20 folds back below the fourth annular section 400, moves upward along the second support 210 and passes upward outside the fourth annular section 400 (128), and moves further upward along the second support 210 and crosses the top 220 to the left (129). Next, the string 20 moves downward along the second support 210, passing downward inside the fourth annular section 400 (130), then downward along the fourth support 410, passing downward inside the third annular section 300 (131), then downward along the third support 310, passing downward outside the second annular section 200 (132), then downward along the second support 210, passing downward outside the first annular section 100 (133), and finally downward along the first support 110, passing downward outside the sixth annular section 600 (134). As a result of this movement, as shown in (3X) of Figure 30, the string 20 falls onto the base 900, enclosing the first support 110, the second support 210, the third support 310, the fourth support 410, and the sixth support 610. Then, by lifting the string 20 upwards (135), the string 20 can be removed from the puzzle ring 12.

[0157] As described above, the puzzle ring 12 according to this embodiment requires players to be aware of the depth direction when solving it, thus maintaining the player's interest and motivation to create solutions. Furthermore, since players are expected to use various techniques, such as rotating the puzzle ring 12 while solving it, their spatial reasoning abilities can be enhanced while solving the puzzle. As described above, the puzzle ring 12 according to the third embodiment is only different from the puzzle ring 10 according to the first embodiment in that the sixth ring portion 600 and the sixth support column 610 are added, but the difficulty level increases step by step, thus maintaining the player's interest and motivation to create solutions.

[0158] In the solutions to the puzzle rings 10-12 in the first to third embodiments, a method was described in which the string 20 is twisted to prevent it from becoming entangled with the support post. Specifically, in the first embodiment, the string 20 needs to be twisted once counterclockwise; in the second embodiment, the string 20 needs to be twisted once counterclockwise and then twice more counterclockwise; and in the third embodiment, the string 20 needs to be twisted once clockwise and then once more counterclockwise. The direction and number of twists vary depending on the structure of the puzzle rings 10-12 in each embodiment, and the number of ring sections through which the string 20 passes. In all cases, it is possible to prevent the string 20 from becoming entangled with the support post and to remove the string 20 from the puzzle ring 10. It should be noted that the solutions to the puzzle rings shown in the above embodiments are merely examples, and there are many other possible solutions. For example, the puzzle rings 10 to 12 in the first to third embodiments can be solved without twisting the string 20.

[0159] The embodiments described above as embodiments of the present invention can be combined and implemented as appropriate, insofar as they do not contradict each other. Furthermore, any additions, deletions, or design changes to components, or additions, omissions, or changes to processes based on these embodiments, made by those skilled in the art, are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the essence of the present invention.

[0160] Any effects or benefits other than those brought about by the embodiments described above, if they are clear from the description herein or easily predictable to a person skilled in the art, are naturally considered to be brought about by the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0161] 10, 11, 12: Ring puzzle, 20: String, 100: First ring section, 110: First support, 111: First connection point, 200: Second ring section, 210: Second support, 211: Second connection point, 220: Top, 300: Third ring section, 310: Third support, 311: Third connection point, 400: Fourth ring section, 410: Fourth support, 411: Fourth connection point, 500: Fifth ring section, 510: Fifth support, 511: Fifth connection point, 600: Sixth ring section, 610: Sixth support, 611: Sixth connection point, 900: Base, 901: Top surface, 903: Bottom surface

Claims

1. The base and The first annular portion located above the aforementioned base, A second annular portion located above the first annular portion, A third annular portion located above the second annular portion, A fourth annular portion located above the third annular portion, The first annular portion and the first support column connected to the base, A second support column is connected to the second annular portion, passes inside the first annular portion and is connected to the base, passes outside the third annular portion and passes inside the fourth annular portion, A third support column connected to the third annular portion, passing inside the second annular portion, passing outside the first annular portion, and connected to the base, A puzzle ring including a fourth support column connected to the fourth ring portion, passing inside the third ring portion, outside the second ring portion, and outside the first ring portion, and connected to the base.

2. The first support column is connected to the base at the first contact point, The second support column is connected to the base at the second contact point. The third support column is connected to the base at the third contact point. The fourth support column is connected to the base at the fourth contact point. The puzzle ring according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface of the base, the second contact point is located inside the triangle formed by the connection of the first contact point, the third contact point, and the fourth contact point.

3. The base and The first annular portion located above the aforementioned base, A second annular portion located above the first annular portion, A third annular portion located above the second annular portion, A fourth annular portion located above the third annular portion, A fifth annular portion located above the fourth annular portion, The first annular portion and the first support column connected to the base, A second support column is connected to the second annular section, passes inside the first annular section and is connected to the base, passes outside the third annular section, passes outside the fourth annular section, and passes inside the fifth annular section. A third support column connected to the third annular portion, passing inside the second annular portion, passing outside the first annular portion, and connected to the base, A fourth support column connected to the fourth annular section, passing inside the third annular section, passing outside the second annular section, passing outside the first annular section, and connected to the base, A puzzle ring including a fifth support column connected to the fifth annular section, passing inside the fourth annular section, outside the third annular section, outside the second annular section, and outside the first annular section, and connected to the base.

4. The first support column is connected to the base at the first contact point, The second support column is connected to the base at the second contact point. The third support column is connected to the base at the third contact point. The fourth support column is connected to the base at the fourth contact point. The fifth support column is connected to the base at the fifth contact point. The puzzle ring according to claim 3, wherein, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface of the base, the second contact point is located inside the rectangle formed by the connection of the first contact point, the third contact point, the fourth contact point, and the fifth contact point.

5. A sixth annular portion located between the base and the first annular portion, The puzzle ring according to claim 1, further comprising the sixth annular portion and a sixth support connected to the base.

6. The first support column passes inside the sixth annular portion and is connected to the base. The second support, the third support, and the fourth support are connected to the base by passing outside the sixth annular portion, as described in claim 5.

7. The first support column is connected to the base at the first contact point, The second support column is connected to the base at the second contact point. The third support column is connected to the base at the third contact point. The fourth support column is connected to the base at the fourth contact point. The sixth support column is connected to the base at the sixth contact point. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the surface of the base, The second contact is located inside the triangle formed by the first contact, the third contact, and the fourth contact. The sixth contact point is located outside the triangle, as described in claim 6.

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