Peg arrangement puzzle

Abstract

A peg arrangement puzzle is made up of a puzzle body, a plurality of peg members moveable on the puzzle body, a peg track on the puzzle body. The peg track includes a first loop with a plurality of first loop positional nodes, a second loop with a plurality of second loop positional nodes, and one or more intersection nodes at an intersection of the first loop and the second loop. A peg movement mechanism moves peg members in the first loop and second loop. A peg member at an intersection node can be selectively moved along the first loop to any first loop positional node or along the second loop to any second loop positional node. The peg arrangement puzzle can be solved by positioning the plurality of peg members in a desired arrangement.

Description

PRIORITY

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of domestic priority based on United States Provisional Patent Application 63 / 763,022 filed on February 25, 2025, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] The Rubik’s Cube was invented in the 1970’s, released in the 1980’s, and quickly became an international success. The Rubik’s Cube and its imitations and variations have created a genre of puzzles that nearly everyone is familiar with.

[0003] The Rubik’s Cube is a three dimensional cuboidal puzzle with six faces each made up of nine similarly colored pegs, sometimes referred to as tiles or pieces, arranged in three rows and three columns. An internal pivot mechanism allows each row and each column to turn independently, thus allowing the tiles to be scrambled. The puzzle is then solved by a user trying to unscramble the tiles so that all tiles of the same color are returned to each of the six sides. Imitations and variations of the Rubik’s Cube include changes in size, shape, and the number of pegs.

[0004] Though revolutionary and ubiquitous, the Rubik’s Cube has its limitations. For example, with the pivot mechanism of the Rubik’s Cube, an entire row or column must be rotated 90 degrees together. The result is that in order to move a particular peg, it must be rotated and shifted three positions at a time. It is not possible to shift a peg one or two spaces in a single movement. This limits the possibilities of peg arrangements during scrambling and / or solving the puzzle. In addition, a Rubik’s Cube solve is complete when all nine pegs of the same color are unscrambled so they are on the same face for all six faces of the Rubik’s Cube. There is no way to require that the pegs on a face be in a particular order or arrangement in order to add difficulty to the puzzle. Also, the Rubik’s Cube design requires that it be a three dimensional puzzle, and there is no way to maintain the concept of the puzzle in a simplified and / or two dimensional version that can allow a beginning user to practice or learn how to solve a similar puzzle. Furthermore, because of the planar rotational requirements of the Rubik’s Cube pivot design, there are limitations to the overall shape of the puzzle without employing unduly complex mechanisms.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an improved peg arrangement puzzle. There is a further need for a peg arrangement puzzle that offers improved peg movement capabilities. There is a further need for a peg arrangement puzzle where pegs are permitted to move one position at a time. There is a further need for a peg arrangement puzzle where all pegs are moveable to all positions in the puzzle. There is a further need for a peg arrangement puzzle that is easily adaptable to a variety of shapes and / or sizes of puzzles. There is a further need for a peg arrangement puzzle that is scalable in terms of its complexity and / or difficulty.SUMMARY

[0006] The present invention satisfies one or more of these needs. In one aspect of the invention, an improved peg arrangement puzzle is provided.

[0007] In another aspect of the invention, a peg arrangement puzzle is provided that has improved peg movement capabilities.

[0008] In another aspect of the invention, a peg arrangement puzzle is provided where pegs are permitted to move one position at a time.

[0009] In another aspect of the invention, a peg arrangement puzzle is provided where all pegs of the puzzle are permitted to move to all positions of the puzzle.

[0010] In another aspect of the invention, a peg arrangement puzzle is provided that is easily adaptable to a variety of shapes and / or sizes.

[0011] In another aspect of the invention, a peg arrangement puzzle is provided that is scalable in terms of its complexity and / or difficulty.

[0012] In another aspect of the invention, a peg arrangement puzzle comprises a plurality of intersecting loops with each loop including a plurality of peg members that move around the loop.

[0013] In another aspect of the invention, a peg arrangement puzzle comprises a plurality of intersecting loops with each loop including a plurality of peg members that move in unison around the loop.

[0014] In another aspect of the invention, a peg arrangement puzzle comprises a first loop and a second loop, wherein the first loop includes a plurality of peg members that move around the first loop, and wherein the second loop includes a plurality of peg members that move around the second loop.

[0015] In another aspect of the invention, a peg arrangement puzzle comprises a first loop and a second loop, wherein the first loop includes a plurality of peg members that move in unison around the first loop, and wherein the second loop includes a plurality of peg members that move in unison around the second loop.

[0016] In another aspect of the invention, a peg arrangement puzzle comprises a first loop and a second loop, wherein the first loop includes a plurality of peg members that move in unison around the first loop, wherein the second loop includes a plurality of peg members that move in unison around the second loop, and wherein the first loop and second loop intersect at one or more intersection nodes where a peg member from the first loop can become a peg member of the second loop.

[0017] In another aspect of the invention, a peg arrangement puzzle comprises a first loop and a second loop, wherein the first loop includes a plurality of peg members that move in unison around the first loop, wherein the second loop includes a plurality of peg members that move in unison around the second loop, and wherein a peg movement mechanism causes all peg members of the first loop to move when one of the peg members of the first loop is moved by direct manipulation by a user.

[0018] In another aspect of the invention, a peg arrangement puzzle comprises a puzzle body containing a peg track containing a first loop, a second loop, and optionally a third loop, the loops extending in two or three dimensions; a plurality of peg member are moveable, such as by being slideable, along the peg track in any of the loops.

[0019] In another aspect of the invention, a peg arrangement puzzle comprises a puzzle body; a plurality of peg members moveable on the puzzle body; and a peg track on the puzzle body, the peg track comprising: a first loop containing a plurality of first loop positional nodes; a second loop containing a plurality of second loop positional nodes; and one or more intersection nodes at an intersection of the first loop and the second loop, an intersection node being a shared first loop positional node and second loop positional node; and a peg movement mechanism adapted to move a peg member in the first loop to any first loop positional node and a peg member in the second loop to any second loop positional node; wherein a peg member at an intersection node can be selectively moved along the first loop to any first loop positional node or along the second loop to any second loop positional node, and wherein the peg arrangement puzzle can be solved by positioning the plurality of peg members in a desired arrangement.

[0020] In another aspect of the invention, a peg arrangement puzzle comprises a puzzle body; a plurality of peg members moveable on the puzzle body; and a peg track on the puzzle body, the peg track comprising: a first loop containing a plurality of first loop positional nodes; a second loop containing a plurality of second loop positional nodes; and one or more intersection nodes at an intersection of the first loop and the second loop, an intersection node being a shared first loop positional node and second loop positional node; and a peg movement mechanism adapted to move a peg member in the first loop to any first loop positional node and a peg member in the second loop to any second loop positional node; wherein a peg member at an intersection node can be selectively moved along the first loop to any first loop positional node or along the second loop to any second loop positional node, and wherein the peg arrangement puzzle can be solved by positioning the plurality of peg members in a desired arrangement, wherein the peg member at the intersection node can be moved by direct manipulation of the peg member or my indirect manipulation by the peg movement mechanism.

[0021] In another aspect of the invention, a peg arrangement puzzle comprises a puzzle body; a plurality of peg members moveable on the puzzle body; and a peg track on the puzzle body, the peg track comprising: a first loop containing a plurality of first loop positional nodes; a second loop containing a plurality of second loop positional nodes; and one or more intersection nodes at an intersection of the first loop and the second loop, an intersection node being a shared first loop positional node and second loop positional node; and a peg movement mechanism adapted to move a peg member in the first loop to any first loop positional node and a peg member in the second loop to any second loop positional node; wherein a peg member at an intersection node can be selectively moved along the first loop to any first loop positional node or along the second loop to any second loop positional node, and wherein the peg arrangement puzzle can be solved by positioning the plurality of peg members in a desired arrangement, wherein the peg movement mechanism comprises a first loop movement mechanism adapted to move a peg member at a first loop positional node to a different first loop positional node, wherein the peg movement mechanism comprises a second loop movement mechanism adapted to move a peg member at a second loop positional node to a different second loop positional node, and wherein a peg member at the intersection node can be selectively moved to another first loop positional node by the first loop movement mechanism or to another second loop positional node by the second loop movement mechanism.

[0022] In another aspect of the invention, a peg arrangement puzzle comprises a three dimensional puzzle body; a plurality of peg members moveable in three dimensions on the puzzle body; and a peg track on the puzzle body, the peg track comprising: a first loop containing a plurality of first loop positional nodes; a second loop containing a plurality of second loop positional nodes; a third loop containing a plurality of third loop positional nodes; and one or more first intersection nodes at an intersection of the first loop and the second loop the intersection node being a shared first loop positional node and second loop positional node; one or more second intersection nodes at an intersection of the second loop and the third loop the intersection node being a shared second loop positional node and third loop positional node; wherein a peg member at a first intersection node can be selectively moved along the first loop to any first loop positional node or along the second loop to any second loop positional node, and wherein a peg member at a second intersection node can be selectively moved along the second loop to any second loop positional node or along the third loop to any third loop positional node, wherein each peg member is positionable at any of the first loop positional nodes, the second loop positional nodes, and the third loop positional nodes by movement along the peg track, and wherein the peg arrangement puzzle can be solved by positioning the plurality of peg members in a desired arrangement.

[0023] In another aspect of the invention, a peg arrangement puzzle comprises a rectanguloid puzzle body having six sides; a plurality of peg members moveable in three dimensions on the puzzle body; and a peg track on the puzzle body, the peg track comprising a plurality of loops, the plurality of loops comprising: a first loop containing a plurality of first loop positional nodes, the first loop extending along a first plane; a first additional loop containing a plurality of first additional loop positional nodes, the first additional loop extending along a plane parallel to the first plane; a second loop containing a plurality of second loop positional nodes, the second loop extending along a second plane that is orthogonal to the first plane; a second additional loop containing a plurality of second additional loop positional nodes, the second additional loop extending along a plane parallel to the second plane; a third loop containing a plurality of third loop positional nodes, the third loop extending along a third plane that is orthogonal to the first plane and the second plane; and a third additional loop containing a plurality of third additional loop positional nodes, the third additional loop extending along a plane parallel to the third plane; wherein each side of the rectanguloid puzzle body contains an array of positional nodes, wherein each positional node in the array of positional nodes is an intersection of two of the plurality of loops, and wherein a peg member at a first loop positional node can be moved directly to any other first loop positional node without having to move along a different loop.

[0024] In another aspect of the invention, a peg arrangement puzzle comprises a rectanguloid puzzle body having six sides; a plurality of peg members moveable in three dimensions on the puzzle body; and a peg track on the puzzle body, the peg track comprising a plurality of loops, the plurality of loops comprising: a first loop containing a plurality of first loop positional nodes, the first loop extending along a first plane; a first additional loop containing a plurality of first additional loop positional nodes, the first additional loop extending along a plane parallel to the first plane; a second loop containing a plurality of second loop positional nodes, the second loop extending along a second plane that is orthogonal to the first plane; a second additional loop containing a plurality of second additional loop positional nodes, the second additional loop extending along a plane parallel to the second plane; a third loop containing a plurality of third loop positional nodes, the third loop extending along a third plane that is orthogonal to the first plane and the second plane; and a third additional loop containing a plurality of third additional loop positional nodes, the third additional loop extending along a plane parallel to the third plane; wherein each side of the rectanguloid puzzle body contains an array of positional nodes, wherein each positional node in the array of positional nodes is an intersection of two of the plurality of loops, and wherein a peg member at a first loop positional node can be moved directly to any other first loop positional node without having to move along a different loop, and wherein the rectanguloid puzzle body is a cuboid puzzle body, and wherein the peg track comprises two first additional loops, two second additional loops, and two third additional loops arranged so that each side of the cuboid puzzle body contains a three by three array of positional nodes, and wherein all peg members of the peg arrangement puzzle are positionable at all positional nodes of the peg arrangement puzzle.

[0025] In another aspect of the invention, a method of solving a peg arrangement puzzle comprises providing a peg arrangement puzzle as described herein and using the peg arrangement puzzle as described herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] These features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings which illustrate exemplary features of the invention. However, it is to be understood that each of the features can be used in the invention in general, not merely in the context of the particular drawings, and the invention includes any combination of these features, where:

[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a version of a peg arrangement puzzle of the invention;

[0028] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of another version of a peg arrangement puzzle of the invention in a scrambled configuration;

[0029] FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of the peg arrangement puzzle of FIG. 2 in a completed configuration;

[0030] FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of another version of a peg arrangement puzzle of the invention in a scrambled configuration;

[0031] FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of the peg arrangement puzzle of FIG. 4 in a completed configuration;

[0032] FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of another version of a peg arrangement puzzle of the invention;

[0033] FIG. 7 is a schematic top view of another version of a peg arrangement puzzle of the invention;

[0034] FIG. 8 is a schematic top view of another version of a peg arrangement puzzle of the invention;

[0035] FIG. 9 is a schematic top view of another version of a peg arrangement puzzle of the invention;

[0036] FIG. 10A is a schematic perspective view of a version of a peg member for use with a peg arrangement puzzle of the invention;

[0037] FIG. 10B is a schematic sectional view of the peg member of FIG. 10A received within a peg track of a version of a peg arrangement puzzle of the invention;

[0038] FIG. 11 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a pair of adjacent peg members in accordance with FIG. 10A, a version of a peg movement mechanism, and a version of a peg track of a peg arrangement puzzle of the invention;

[0039] FIG. 12 is a top view of a peg track of a version of a peg arrangement puzzle of the invention with a peg member positioned at an intersection node;

[0040] FIG. 13 is a top view of a peg track of another version of a peg arrangement puzzle of the invention with a peg member positioned at an intersection node;

[0041] FIG. 14 is a top view of a peg track of another version of a peg arrangement puzzle of the invention with a peg member positioned at an intersection node;

[0042] FIG. 15A is a schematic sectional view of another version of a peg member received within another version of a peg track of peg arrangement puzzle of the invention;

[0043] FIG. 15B is a schematic sectional view of another version of a peg member received within another version of a peg track of a peg arrangement puzzle of the invention;

[0044] FIG. 16 is a schematic persepctive view of a three dimensional version of a peg arrangement puzzle of the invention;

[0045] FIG. 17 is a schematic persepctive view of another version of a three dimensional peg arrangement puzzle of the invention;

[0046] FIG. 18 is a schematic persepctive view of another version of a three dimensional peg arrangement puzzle of the invention;

[0047] FIG. 19 is a schematic persepctive view of another version of a three dimensional peg arrangement puzzle of the invention;

[0048] FIG. 20 is a schematic persepctive view of another version of a three dimensional peg arrangement puzzle of the invention;

[0049] FIG. 21 is a schematic sectional side view of a version of the peg arrangement puzzle of FIG. 20 along section A-A of FIG. 20;

[0050] FIG. 22 is a schematic sectional side view of an enlarged portion of the sectional view of FIG. 21;

[0051] FIG. 23A is a schematic persepctive view of an inner body portion of the peg arrangement puzzle of FIG. 20;

[0052] FIG. 23B is a schematic persepctive view of peg members and a peg movement mechanism of the peg arrangement puzzle of FIG. 20;

[0053] FIG. 24 is a schematic perspective view of a version of the peg arrangement puzzle of FIG. 20 with an outer shell removed;

[0054] FIG. 25 is a schematic sectional side view of another version of the peg arrangement puzzle of FIG. 20 along section A-A of FIG. 20;

[0055] FIG. 26 is a schematic sectional side view of an enlarged portion of the sectional view of FIG. 25;

[0056] FIG. 27 is a schematic perspective view of the peg arrangement puzzle of FIG. 20 in a completed configuration;

[0057] FIG. 28 is a schematic persepctive view of another version of a three dimensional peg arrangement puzzle of the invention;

[0058] FIG. 29 is a schematic persepctive view of another version of a three dimensional peg arrangement puzzle of the invention;

[0059] FIG. 30 is a schematic top view of another version of a peg arrangement puzzle of the invention; and

[0060] FIG. 31 is a schematic top view of another version of a peg arrangement puzzle of the invention.DESCRIPTION

[0061] The present invention relates to a puzzle. In particular, the invention relates to a peg arrangement puzzle with one or more moveable peg members that move in or along one or more loops. Although the invention is illustrated and described in the context of being useful for a multi-dimensional physical puzzle, the present invention can be used in other ways, as would be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the present invention should not be limited just to the examples and embodiments described herein.

[0062] FIG. 1 shows a peg arrangement puzzle 100 according to one version of the invention. The peg arrangement puzzle 100 includes a puzzle body 105 that contains, houses, and / or supports a plurality of peg members 110 that are each moveable relative to the puzzle body 105. The peg members 110 can be in the form of any moveable object, such as a tile, marker, pin, knob, handle, protrusion, member, brick, puzzle piece, game piece, and the like. In the version of FIG. 1, the peg members 110 each include a peg head 115 having a peg head surface 120 that is visible to a user of the puzzle 100. The peg members 110 are moveable relative to the puzzle body 105 by being manipulated directly or indirectly by the user of the peg arrangement puzzle 100. For example, a peg member 110 can be moved by direct manipulation of the user by the user applying a force to the peg member 110, such as by applying force directly to the peg head 115. A peg member 110 can be moved by indirect manipulation of the user by being caused to move in response to movement of another peg member 110 by the user, as will be explained. In the version of FIG. 1, the puzzle body 105 also includes or is associated with a peg track 125 that guides, directs, and / or constrains movement of one of more peg members 110. Within the peg track 125 are one or more positional nodes 130 at which a peg member 110 can be positioned. Each peg member 110 is positionable along the peg track 125 at a positional node 130 and is moveable along the peg track to another positional node 130. The object of the peg arrangement puzzle 100 is for a user to cause one or more peg members 110 to be located in a desired one or more positional nodes 130 along the peg track 125 and / or for a plurality of peg members 110 to be positioned in a desired orientation within the peg track 125. The peg head 115 and / or the peg head surface 120 can provide a visible indication to the user of the positioning of a particular peg member 110 so the user can determine if the peg member 110 is located at the desired positional node 130.

[0063] As also shown in FIG. 1, the peg track 125 of the peg arrangement puzzle 100 is a multi-loop track 135 that comprises at least a first loop 140, a second loop 145, and optionally any number of additional loops, that intersect with one another. The first loop 140 includes a plurality of first loop positional nodes 130, and the second loop 145 contains a plurality of second loop positional nodes. The first loop 140 and the second loop 145 intersect at one or more intersection nodes 150. The intersection nodes 150 are positional nodes 130 that lie on more than one loop of the multi-loop track 135. For example, in the version of FIG. 1, the intersection nodes 150 are positional nodes 130 that are shared by the first loop 140 and the second loop 145. Thus, each intersection node 150 in FIG. 1 is a first loop positional node 130 and a second loop positional node 130. By loop it is meant a portion of the peg track 125 that forms a continuous loop so that a peg member 110 that starts at a particular starting positional node 130 can move along the loop in one direction, such as by moving in a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction around the first loop 140 with respect to the top view of FIG. 1, and return to the starting positional node 130. While movement of a peg member 110 from one particular node 130 around the loop and back to the starting node 130 is an option, it is not the only possible movement of the peg member 110. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 1, a peg member 110 on the first loop 140 can move in a first direction from a starting positional node 130 to a different positional node 130, can move in an opposite direction from a starting positional node 130 to a different positional node 130, and / or can move along the second loop 145 in either a first direction or a second direction.

[0064] The peg arrangement puzzle 100 includes a peg movement mechanism 155 that is designed to cause peg members 110 within a loop to move together substantially in unison. For example, in the version of FIG. 1, the peg movement mechanism 155 comprises a first loop movement mechanism 160 that causes the peg members 110 in the first loop 140 to move in unison around the first loop 140. Accordingly, when one of the peg members 110 positioned at a node 130 on the first loop 140 is caused to move by direct manipulation, such as by a user applying a force to the the peg head 115 to cause the peg member 110 to move in a first direction within the first loop 140, the first loop movement mechanism 160 causes each of the other peg mechanisms 110 in the first loop 140 to move. In this regard the lengthwise spacing between peg members 110 within the first loop 140 remains generally constant as the peg members 110 move around the first loop 140. In similar manner, in the version of FIG. 1, the peg movement mechanism 155 comprises a second loop movement mechanism 165 that causes peg members 110 in the second loop 145 to move in unison around the second loop 145. The first loop movement mechanism 160 and the second intra-loop movement mechanism 165 operate independently from one another. As such, movement of the peg members 110 of the first loop 140 does not cause movement of the peg members 110 not located within the first loop 140, such as the peg members 110 of the second loop 145 other than the peg member 110 at the intersection node 150. More specifically with regard to the version of FIG. 1, the top four peg members 110 shown in the figure can move clockwise or counterclockwise about the first loop 140 while the bottom two peg members 110 remain motionless, and the bottom four peg members 110 can move clockwise or counterclockwise about the second loop 145 while the top two peg members 110 remain motionless.

[0065] The intersection nodes 150 of the peg track 125 of the peg arrangement puzzle 100 allow for loop-to-loop peg member exchange. As can be seen in the condition of FIG. 1, a peg member 110 that is positioned at the intersection node 150 is part of both the first loop 140 and the second loop 145. Thus, a peg member 110 positioned at an intersection node 150 can be caused to move in a number of different manners and directions. For example, a peg member 110 at an intersection node 150 can be moved by direct manipulation in either direction along the first loop 140 or in either direction along the second loop 145. In addition, a peg member 110 at an intersection node 150 can be moved by indirect manipulation. By indirect manipulation a peg member 110 at an intersection node 150 can move in either direction along the first loop 140 by causing another peg member 110 on the first loop 140 to move, which will cause the first loop movement mechanism 160 to move all of the peg member 110 in the first loop or can be moved in either direction along the second loop 145 by causing another peg member 110 on the second loop 145 to move, which will cause the second loop mechanism 165 to move all of the peg members 110 in the second loop 145. This ability of a peg member 110 to move along either loop when the peg member 110 is located at an intersection node 150 allows for loop-to-loop peg member exchange. By positioning a particular peg member 110 that is initially part of the first loop 140 at the intersection node 150 and then causing the peg members 110 of the second loop 145 to move about the second loop 145, the peg member 110 that was initially part of the first loop 140 becomes part of the second loop 145. In this manner, each peg member 110 can be maneuvered to each positional node 130 by a sequence of steps or movements.

[0066] The multi-loop peg track 135 of the peg arrangement puzzle 100 thus creates a multi-dimensional intersecting loops puzzle. In the particular version of FIG. 1, the peg arrangement puzzle 100 is a 2-dimensional intersecting loops puzzle with the first loop 140 being generally planar and the second loop 145 being generally planar, and with the first loop 140 and the second loop 145 lying in generally the same plane. In the 2-dimensional intersecting loops puzzle of FIG. 1, the peg track 125 is provided on, in, or near the puzzle body 105 in a manner where the peg head 115 of each peg member 110 extends on, above, or beyond an outer surface 170 of the puzzle body 105. In the version of FIG. 1, the outer surface 170 is a planar or substantially planar top surface. Also, in the version of FIG. 1, the peg arrangement puzzle 100 is located on a single side or surface of the puzzle body 105. The puzzle body 105 can be a single piece of material or multiple pieces of material. In an alternative arrangement, one or both of the first loop 140 and the second loop 145 and / or any other loop disclosed herein can be non-planar in shape and / or the first loop 140 and the second loop 145 can lie in different non-parallel planes in order for the peg arrangement puzzle 100 to be three dimensional, as will be described and embodied hereinbelow.

[0067] In the version of FIG. 1, the first loop 140 and the second loop 145 are shown as being substantially circular. Alternatively, the first loop 140, the second loop 145, and / or any other loops described herein can take on any other suitable shape. For example, one of more loops can be a 2-dimensional geometric shape, such as oval, ovate, egg-shaped, rounded, triangular, square, rectangular, polygonal, rounded triangular, rounded square, rounded rectangular, rounded polygonal, and the like and combinations thereof. In another version, the one or more loops can be a 3-dimensional shape taking on the shape of at least a portion of the envelope of a 3-dimensional geometric shape, such as a sphere, ovoid, egg, rounded 3-dimensional object, cube, cuboid, rounded cuboid, rectanguloid, rounded rectanguloid, pyramid, rounded pyramid, cone, polygonoid, rounded polygonoid, and the like and combinations thereof.

[0068] FIGS. 2 and 3 show another version of a peg arrangement puzzle 100 of the invention. The version of FIG. 2 is similar to the version of FIG. 1. However, in the version of FIG. 2, one or more of the peg members 110 have an identifying indicium 200 on the peg head 115, such as by being printed or otherwise marked on the peg head surface 120 or otherwise located. For example and demonstration purposes, in the particular version of FIG. 2, respective peg members 110 are shown as being marked with numbered identifying indicia 200, ranging from one to six in a scattered order. Accordingly, in this version, each of the peg members 110 has a different identifying indicium 200. To solve the peg arrangement puzzle 100 of the version of FIG. 2, a user can be tasked with moving trying to arrange the peg members 110 so that the numbers increase in order from left to right and top to bottom. The user then moves the peg members 110 along the peg track 125 and makes a series of moves of the first loop 140 and the second loop 145. This causes peg members 110 to exchange loops as necessary until the peg member configuration shown in the FIG. 3 results. Alternatively, the user can be tasked with arranging the numbers in descending order or in any other order.

[0069] FIGS. 4 and 5 show another version of a peg arrangement puzzle 100 of the invention. In this version, the identifying indicium 200 on the peg members 110 includes groups of markings where a plurality of peg members 110 include the same marking. The markings can be, for example, colors, shades, shapes, textures, designs, and or the like. In the particular example of FIG. 4, two of the peg members 110 are marked with cross hatched, two of the peg members 110 are marked with diagonals, and two of the peg members 110 are marked with solids. To solve the puzzle of FIG. 4, a user can be tasked with arranging the peg members 110 so as to align the groupings. The user then moves the peg members 110 along the peg track 125 and makes a series of moves of the first loop 140 and the second loop 145. This causes peg members 110 to exchange loops as necessary until the peg member configuration shown in the FIG. 5 results.

[0070] The examples of FIGS. 2 and 3 and FIGS. 4 and 5 represent beginner level examples. The tasks and / or the puzzle structure can then get progressively more difficult as the individual begins to master the tasks. For example, the peg arrangement puzzle 100 can also be made more difficult and / or interesting by changing the configuration of the peg track 125 and accordingly the loops.

[0071] FIG. 6 shows another version of a peg arrangement puzzle 100 of the invention. The version of FIG. 6 is similar to the version of FIG. 1, but in the version of FIG. 6, the second loop 145 is provided with positional nodes 130 than the first loop 140. The second loop 145 thus also has more peg members 110 associated with it than does the first look 140. FIG. 7 shows another version than, like FIG. 6, has more positional nodes 130 on the second loop 145 than the first loop 140. In the version of FIG. 6, the first loop 140 and the second loop 145 are the same general size and the spacing of the positional nodes 130 in each loop differs. In the version of FIG. 7, the spacing of positional nodes 130 is the same in each loop, but the size of each loop differs.

[0072] FIG. 8 shows another version of a peg arrangement puzzle 100 of the invention. The version of FIG. 8 adds difficulty and complexity to the puzzle by adding a third loop 805. The third loop 805 has third loop positional nodes and a third loop movement mechanism 810 to cause the peg members 110 in the third loop 805 to move in unison in similar manner as the first loop movement mechanism 160 and the second loop movement mechanism 165. In this version, the peg track 125 includes a first set of intersection nodes 150 that are at the intersection of the first loop 140 and the second loop 145 and a second set of intersection nodes 150 that are at the intersection of the second loop 145 and the third loop 805. As can be seen, to move a peg member 110 that is in the first loop 140 to a position in the third loop 805, that peg member 110 would be transferred to the second loop 145 at one of the intersection nodes 150 at an intersection of the first loop 140 and the second loop 145 and would then me moved along the second loop 145 to one of the intersection nodes 150 at an intersection of the second loop 145 and the third loop 805 so that the peg member 110 of interest can become part of the third loop 805.

[0073] FIG. 9 shows another version of a peg arrangement puzzle 100 of the invention that, like FIG. 8, has a third loop 805 and third loop movement mechanism 810. In the version of FIG. 9, an overlapping arrangement of the first loop 140, the second loop 145, and the third loop 805 is such that one of the intersection nodes 150 intersects all three loops. Accordingly, a peg member 110 located at the intersection node that intersect the first loop 140, the second loop 145, and the third loop 805 can be caused to move about the first look 140, the second loop 145, or the third loop 805 by actuation of the first loop movement mechanism 160, the second loop movement mechanism 165, or the third loop movement mechanism 810, respectively.

[0074] The concepts of each of the versions of FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9 can be interchanged with one another and / or otherwise altered. Though the identifying indicia 200 are not shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9 for clarity, the peg members 110 in these versions can be marked in any of a variety of manners in order to create a puzzle to be solved by changing the arrangement of one or more of the peg members 110.

[0075] FIG. 10A shows a version of a peg member 110 that can be used with the peg arrangement puzzle 100 of the invention. The peg member 110 of the version of FIG. 10A has a peg body 1000 comprising the peg head 115, a peg base 1005 and a peg stem 1010 connecting the peg head 115 and the peg base 1005. Optionally, the peg stem 1010 can be removed and the peg head 115 can be attached directly to the peg base 1010. In the particular version shown, the peg head 115 is dome shaped. Alternatively, the peg head 115 can take on any suitable shape, such as by being flat, tile shaped, pin shaped, or the like. The peg base 1005 is sized, shaped, and adapted to be moveable along or within the peg track 125, as shown in FIG. 10B. FIG. 10B shows a cross section of a peg member 110 in accordance with the version of FIG. 10A within a version of a peg track 125 in or on a puzzle body 105. In this version, the peg track 125 is a recess 1015 that forms a channel 1020 that extends the length of or the entirety of a loop, such as the first loop 140. The channel 1020 is defined by a pair of sidewalls 1025 and a bottom wall 1030. The peg base 1005 is sized and shaped to fit within the channel 1020 and optionally rest on the bottom wall 1030. The peg base 1005 is adapted to slide or otherwise move along the channel 1020 so that the peg member can be guided along the length of a loop. In the version shown, the peg base 1005 is rectanguloid but can be any other suitable shape, such as cylindrical.

[0076] FIG. 11 illustrates a portion of a peg movement mechanism 155 according to one version of the peg arrangement puzzle 100 of the invention. In FIG. 11, a portion of a first loop movement mechanism 160 is shown. As can be seen, the adjacent peg members 110 are receivable with the channel 1020 of a first loop 140 of the peg track 125 and are positioned at positional nodes 130 when within the channel 1020. In this version, the first loop movement mechanism 160 comprises an intermediate member 1105. As can be seen, the intermediate member 1105 is positioned between the adjacent peg members 110 to locomotively adjoin the adjacent peg members 110. In the version shown, the intermediate member 1105 is also received within the channel 1020. The intermediate member 1105 has a first end 1110 in proximity to a first peg member 110 and a second end 1115 opposite the first end 1110 and in proximity to an adjacent peg member 110. The intermediate member 1105 has a length from its first end 1110 to its second end 1115 that corresponds to the distance between adjacent positional nodes 130 in the first loop 140. The intermediate member 1105 is slideable or otherwise moveable within the channel and is sufficiently rigid to transfer a movement force from a first peg member 110 to the adjacent peg member 110. Accordingly, when a first peg member 110 is caused to move in a direction towards the second peg member 110 in the first loop 140, the first peg member 110 presses against the first end 1110 of the intermediate member 1105 which causes the intermediate member 1105 to move within the channel 1020 towards the second peg member 110. This movement causes the second end 1115 of the intermediate member 1105 to press against the second peg member 110 and thus causes the second peg member 110 to move within the first loop 140. The movement is continued until the first peg member 110 reaches the next positional node 130. In turn, the second peg member 110 will correspondingly be positioned at its next positional node 130 (not shown in FIG. 11). A peg member 110 that is adjacent to the first peg member 110 in the opposite direction within the first loop 140 with be moved by the peg movement mechanism 155 and will accordingly be positioned at the positional node 130 that was originally where the first peg member 110 was position before the movement started.

[0077] In this version, the first loop movement mechanism 160 is made up of a plurality of peg members 110 and a plurality of intermediate members 1105 with an intermediate member 1105 positioned between each of the peg members 110. The intermediate members 1105 thus serve as spacers that maintain the spacing of the peg members 110 around the first loop 140 or any other loop. In one version, the positional nodes 130 of a loop are equally spaced apart around the loop and the intermediate members 1105 have a length that corresponds to the positional node spacing to assure that when one peg member 110 is located at a positional node 130, an adjacent peg members 110 at the opposite end of an intermediate member 1105 in the first loop 140 is also positioned at a positional node 130. In FIG. 11, the channel 1020 of the peg track 125 is shown as being straight and the locomotion member 1105 is also shown as being straight. For a curved peg track 125, the locomotion member 1105 can be shaped to correspond to the curvature and / or can be sufficiently flexible to navigate the curves of the peg track 125, as will be discussed.

[0078] The operation of the peg movement mechanism 155, and particularly the cooperation between the first loop movement mechanism 160 and the second loop movement mechanism 165, at an intersection node 150 is shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 12 shows a top view of a peg track 125 in the region of an intersection node 150, such as an intersection node 150 of the peg arrangement puzzle 100 of FIG. 6. In FIG. 12, the peg head 115 has been removed for the sake of clarity of illustration. In FIG. 12, a peg member 110 is located at an intersection node 150 at an intersection of a first loop 140 and a second loop 145. The first loop 140 includes a first loop channel 1020, and the second loop 145 includes a second loop channel 1205. The first loop movement mechanism 160 within the first loop 140 comprises first loop locomotion members 1105 similar to the version of FIG. 11 but shown in a curved configuration in FIG. 12. A second loop movement mechanism 165 within the second loop 145 comprises second loop intermediate members 1210. The second loop intermediate members 1215 can be the same as the first loop locomotion members 1105 if the first loop 140 and the second loop 145 are the same size, shape, and positional node spacing. If the first loop 140 and the second loop 145 are different, the size and shape of the second intermediate members 1205 can be adjusted accordingly. To move the peg member 110 along the first loop 140 in a clockwise direction, the peg member 110 can be manipulated by the user to cause it to move downwardly with respect to the orientation of FIG. 12. The movement of the peg member 110 causes the peg base 1005 to contact the first end 1110 of one of the first loop intermediate member 1105 which causes the first loop intermediate member 1105 to move in a counterclockwise direction within the first loop 140. This in turn causes all of the first loop intermediate members 1105 and all of the peg members 110 in the first loop 140 to move in a clockwise direction. Alternatively, instead of directly contacting the peg member 110 that is at the intersection node 150, a different peg member 110 that is in the first loop 140 can be manipulated and caused to move in a clockwise direction in the first loop 140. This will cause the first loop intermediate member 1105 located above the peg member 110 in the intersection node 150 to move, and the second end 1115 of the intermediate member 1105 will contact the peg base 1005 to cause the peg member 110 to move by indirect manipulation. To cause the peg member 110 to move counterclockwise in the first loop 140, the above actions are applied in the opposite direction.

[0079] The peg member 110 in the intersection node 150 in FIG. 12 can also be made to move in the second loop 145 instead of the first loop 140. To move the peg member 110 along the second loop 145 in a clockwise direction, the peg member 110 can be manipulated by the user to cause it to move to the right with respect to the orientation of FIG. 12. The movement of the peg member 110 causes the peg base 1005 to contact a first end 1215 of one of the second loop intermediate members 1210 which causes the second loop intermediate member 1210 to move in a clockwise direction within the second loop 145. This in turn causes all of the second loop intermediate members 1210 and all of the peg members 110 in the second loop 145 to move in a clockwise direction. Alternatively, instead of directly contacting the peg member 110 that is at the intersection node 150, a different peg member 110 that is in the second loop 145 can be manipulated and caused to move in a clockwise direction in the second loop 145. This will cause the second loop locomotion member 1210 located to the left of the peg member 110 in the intersection node 150 to move, and a second end 1220 of the second loop locomotion member 1210 will contact the peg base 1005 to cause the peg member 110 to move by indirect manipulation. To cause the peg member 110 to move counterclockwise in the second loop 145, the above actions are applied in the opposite direction.

[0080] In one version, such as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the intermediate member 1105 is a single piece, incompressible but flexible cuboid. Alternatively, the intermediate members 1105 can be multiple pieces and / or differently shaped, as described below. Using multiple pieces can make it easier for the intermediate members 1105 to navigate the corner and turns, making it less necessary for the material to be flexible.

[0081] FIG. 13 shows another version of a peg arrangement puzzle 100 of the invention. The version of FIG. 13 is similar to the version of FIG. 12. However, in the version of FIG. 13, each intermediate member 1105 of the first loop movement mechanism 160 and / or each second loop intermediate member 1210 comprises a plurality of separate components. For example, in the version of FIG. 13, the separate components are round components 1305, such as discs or spheres, that contact one another within the first loop channel 1020 and / or second loop channel 1205. Together the series of round components 1305 make up an intermediate member 1105 that can navigate turns in the channel 1020 while still pushing on the peg members 110 to cause them to move. For the first loop intermediate members 1105 the round component 1305 that is contacted by peg member 110 when the peg member moves in a particular direction has the locomotion member first end 1110, and the round component 1305 at the opposite end of the series and that makes contact with the adjacent peg member 110 has the intermediate member second end 1115. The second loop intermediate member 1210 can similarly also comprise separate round components 1305, as shown in FIG. 13. The separate round components 1305 function like ball bearings and allow for smooth movement within the loops.

[0082] FIG. 14 shows another version of a peg arrangement puzzle 100 of the invention. The version of FIG. 14 is similar to the version of FIG. 13 but in the version of FIG. 14, the round components 1305 are in the form of an elongated rounded component. For example, in the particular version of FIG. 14, the rounded components 1305 are in the form of barbell shaped components 1405, with two round components connected together by a connector bar or the like. The elongation of the barbell shaped components 1405 helps prevent the separate round components 1305 from entering a channel of a different or unintended loop. More specifically, an elongated barbell component 1405 that makes up a part of the first loop locomotion member 1105 is too long to enter into the second loop channel 1205 when it is passing through the intersection node 150, as can be seen in FIG. 14.

[0083] FIG. 15A shows another version of a peg member 110 and peg track 125 configuration. In the version shown, the peg body 1000 comprises the peg head 115 that is flat. Alternatively, the peg head 115 can take on any suitable shape, as discussed above. The peg base 1005 is sized, shaped, and adapted to be moveable along or within the peg track 125, as shown in FIG. 10A. As with the version of FIG. 10B, the peg track 125 is a recess 1015 that forms a channel 1020 that extends the length of or the entirety of a loop, such as the first loop 140. The channel 1020 is defined by a pair of sidewalls 1025 and a bottom wall 1030. In this version, the channel 1020 is further defined by a channel cover member 1505 that is positioned or positionable at or near the top of the channel 1020 opposite the bottom wall 130. The channel cover member 1505 covers at least a portion of the channel 1020 in a manner that helps to contain the peg base 1005 within the channel 1020. A channel facing interior surface 1510 of the cover member can prevent the peg base 1005 from being removed from the channel 1020 when the channel cover member 1505 is positioned at the top of the channel 1020. In the version shown, the channel cover member 1505 includes a slot 1515 sized and shaped to allow the peg stem 1010 to pass through.

[0084] The version of FIG. 15A offers several advantages. For example, in addition to more securely containing the peg members 110 and intermediate members 1105 within a respective channel 1020, the channel cover member 1505 allows the puzzle body 105 and the outer surface 170 to be oriented any a variety of orientations, including non-horizontal configurations. Thus, when the puzzle body 105 is oriented as shown in FIG. 15A, the peg member 110 and any intermediate members 1105 can be supported by and move along the bottom wall 1030 of the channel 1020. When the puzzle body 105 is turned up-side-down, the peg member 110 and any intermediate members 1105 can be supported by and move along the channel facing interior surface 1510 of the cover member 1505. In similar manner, when the puzzle body 105 is turned 90 degrees, the peg member 110 and any intermediate members 1105 can be supported by and move along a channel sidewall 1025. FIG. 15B shows an alternative arrangement when the channel cover member 1505 is sandwiched between the peg base 1005 and the peg head 115 in a manner when the channel cover member 1505 supports the peg member 110 in all orientations.

[0085] The ability to change the orientation of the puzzle body 105 and / or the peg track 125 allows for additional relative orientations of respective loops in the peg arrangement puzzle 100. For example, as shown in the versions of FIGS. 16 through 29, the peg track puzzle 100 can be a three dimensional puzzle 1600 with non-coplanar loops 1605.

[0086] FIG. 16 shows a version of a peg arrangement puzzle 100 that is a three dimensional puzzle 1600 with non-coplanar loops 1605. In this version, the puzzle body 105 is a three dimensional puzzle body 1610. In the particular version of FIG. 16, the puzzle body 105 is a round or spherical body 1615. The first loop 140 of the peg track 125 is generally circular or the like and extends along a generally vertical plane around the outer surface 170 of the spherical body 1615. The second loop 145 of the peg track 125 is generally circular or the like and extends along a generally horizontal plane around the outer surface 170 of the spherical body 1615. Thus, in the version shown, the first loop 140 and the peg members 110 in the first loop 140 are arranged generally in a first plane, and the second loop 145 and the peg members 110 in the second loop 145 are arranged generally in a second plane. The first plane and the second plane are non-coplanar. While the non-coplanar loops 1605 are shown in FIG. 16 as being orthogonal, they can be angled otherwise relative to one another. Alternatively, the loops themselves can be non-coplanar.

[0087] FIG. 17 shows another version of a peg arrangement puzzle 100 that is a three dimensional puzzle 1600. The version of FIG. 17 is similar to the version of FIG. 16, but in the version of FIG. 17, the puzzle body 105 is non-spherical. In the version shown, the puzzle body is a rectanguloid body 1700 having six generally orthogonal sides. In the particular version shown, the rectanguloid body 1700 is a cuboid body 1705 have six generally equally sized and shaped sides. The rectanguloid body 1700 includes a front side 1710, a left side 1715, and a top side 1720. The front side 1710 has an opposing rear side, the left side 1715 has an opposing right side, and the top side 1720 has an opposing bottom side. The rear side, right side, and bottom side are not visible in the view of FIG. 17. As can be seen, the first loop 140 of the version of FIG. 17 extends generally vertically around the cuboid puzzle body 1705 and extends across the front side 1710, top side 1720, rear side, bottom side, and back to the front side 1715. The second loop 145 extends in non-coplanar manner across the front side 1710, right side, rear side, left side 1715, and back to the front side 1710. The first loop 140 and the second loop 145 intersect at an intersection node 150 on the front side 1710 and at an intersection node 150 on the rear side.

[0088] FIG. 18 shows another version of a peg arrangement puzzle 100 that is a three dimensional puzzle 1600. The version of FIG. 18 is similar to the version of FIG. 17, but in the version of FIG. 18, the peg arrangement puzzle 100 includes a third loop 805 with peg members 110 that slide or otherwise move along or within a third loop channel 1805. The third loop 805 is non-coplanar with the first loop 140 and the second loop 145. As can be seen, the third loop 805 of the version of FIG. 18 extends generally vertically and orthogonal to both the first loop 140 and the second loop 145 and extends across the left side 1715, top side 1720, right side, bottom side, and back to the left side 1715. The first loop 140 and the second loop 145 intersect at an intersection node 150 on the front side 1710 and at an intersection node 150 on the rear side. The first loop 140 and the third loop 805 intersect at an intersection node 150 on the top side 1720 and an intersection node on the bottom side. The second loop 145 and the third loop 805 intersect at an intersection node on the left side 1715 and an intersection node 150 on the right side.

[0089] FIG. 19 shows another version of a peg arrangement puzzle 100 that is a three dimensional puzzle 1600. The version of FIG. 19 is similar to the version of FIG. 18, but in the version of FIG. 19, the peg arrangement puzzle 100 includes a third loop 805 that is non-coplanar with the first loop 140 and the second loop 145. As can be seen, the third loop 805 of the version of FIG. 19 extends generally vertically and orthogonal to the second loop 145 and extends along a plane that is substantially parallel to the plane of the first loop 140. The first loop 140 and the second loop 145 intersect at an intersection node 150 on the front side 1710 and at an intersection node 150 on the rear side. The second loop 145 and the third loop 805 intersect at an intersection node on the front side 1710 and an intersection node 150 on the rear side. The first loop 140 and the third loop do not intersect. Accoringly, for a peg member 110 on the first loop 140 to move to the third loop 805, the peg member 110 must first be transferred to the second loop 145 at an interection node 150 of the first loop 140 and the second loop 145 and then must be moved along the second loop 145 to an intersection node 150 of the second loop 145 and the third loop 805 where is can become part of the third loop 805.

[0090] FIG. 20 shows another version of a peg arrangement puzzle 100 that is a three dimensional peg arrangement puzzle 1600 with a rectanguloid puzzle body 1700, such as a cuboid puzzle body 1705.

[0091] As in the version of FIG. 18, in the version of FIG. 20, the peg arrangement puzzle 100 includes a first loop 140 that extends along a first plane, such as a vertical plane, a second loop 145 that extends along a second plane that is orthogonal to the first plane of the first loop 140, such as a horizontal plane, and a third loop 805 that extends along a third plane that is orthogonal to the first plane and the second plane. In addition, the version of FIG. 20 has at least one additional loop 2005 that is in a plane parallel to the first plane of the first loop, at least one additional loop 2010 that is in a plane parallel to the second plane, and / or at least one additional loop 2015 that is in a plane parallel to the third plane. Each of the at least one additional loops 2005, 2010, 2015 have an additional loop movement mechanism 2020, which in one version is the same as the first loop movement mechanism 160, the second loop movement mechanism 165, and the third loop movement mechanism 810, respectively.

[0092] A version of the first movement mechanism 160 for the peg arrangement puzzle 100 of FIG. 20 is shown in FIGS. 20 with additional features shown in FIGS. 21, 22, 23A, 23B, and24. FIG. 21 is a cross-section through plane A-A in FIG. 20, and FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of a corner portion of FIG. 22. As can be seen, the first movement mechanism 160 comprises an intermediate member 1105 that is sufficiently flexible to be able to move through the angled corners of the first look channel 1020 of the peg track 125 while being sufficient rigid to be able to move a peg base 1005 from one positional node 130 to the next positional node 130. As can also be seen, in the version of FIG. 20, the puzzle body 105 is made up of an inner body 2105, which can be hollow or solid, that contains the recess 1015 that forms the first loop channel 1020, the second loop channel 1205, the third loop chanel 1805, and the channels for the additional loops 2005, 2010, 2015. An outer shell 2025 is positionable around the inner body 2105. The outer shell 2025 serves as the channel cover member 1505 and includes the outer surface 170 of the body 105.

[0093] FIG. 23A shows a version of the inner body 2105 of the puzzle body 105 without the peg members 110, peg movement mechanism 155, and outer shett 2025 attached. As can be seen, a recess 1015 into the inner body 2105 forms the first loop channel 1020, the second loop channel 1205, and the third loop channel 1805 that will support the peg members 110 and peg movement mechanism 155. As can also be seen, the recess 1015 includes one or more first additional loop channels 2305, second additional loop channels 2310, and / or third additional loop channels 2315. In the version shown, all of the channels are similarly sized and shaped.

[0094] FIG. 23B shows the peg members 110 and a peg movement mechanism 155 that are positionable on the inner body 2305 of FIG. 23A. The peg movement mechanism 155 includes a first loop movement mechanism 160 that is insertable into and moveable within the first loop channel 1020, a second loop movement mechanism 165 that is insertable into and moveable within the second loop channel 1205, and a third loop movement mechanism 810 that is insertable into and moveable within the third loop channel 1805. The first loop movement mechanism 160 includes a plurality of first intermediate members 1105 spaced between positional nodes 130 and adapted to move peg members 110 in the first loop 140, as discussed above. The second loop movement mechanism 165 includes a plurality of second intermediate members 1210 spaced between positional nodes 130 and adapted to move peg members 110 in the second loop 145, and the third loop movement mechanism 810 includes a plurality of second intermediate members 2320 spaced between positional nodes 130 and adapted to move peg members 110 in the third loop 805. In the version shown, the first loop intermediate members 1105, the second loop intermediate members 1210, and the third loop intermediate members 2320 are all the same design. Alternatively, they can be different from one another. As can also be seen, each of the one or more first additional loops 2005, the one or more second additional loops 2010, and / or the third additional loops 215 include a additional loop movement mechanisms 2020 that can also have intermediate members that are the same or similar to the intermediate members 1105, 1210, 2320 of the first loop 140, second loop 145, and third loop 805.

[0095] FIG. 24 shows the inner body 2305, peg members 110, and peg movement mechanism 155 of the version of the peg movement puzzle 100 of FIG. 21 with the outer shell 2025 removed. In this view, the peg members 110 and peg movement mechanism 155 of FIG. 23B is positioned on the inner body 2305 of FIG. 23A. The outer shell 2025 can be installed to complete the peg movement puzzle 100 as shown in FIG. 20. The outer shell 2025 thus serves as the channel cover member 1505, as discussed above, and includes slots 1515 that correspond with each of the channels in the inner body 2305.

[0096] FIGS. 25 and 26 show another version of a peg movement mechanism 155 for the version of the peg movement puzzle of FIG. 20. The version of FIGS. 25 and 26 is similar to the version of FIG. 21 and 22, but with round intermediate components 1305, such as ball bearings, being used at the intermediate members in place of the single piece flexible spacers. The round intermediate components 1305 can help the peg movement mechanism 155 navigate the corners of the peg movement puzzle 100. In another version, the round intermediate components 1305 can be connected to for elongated members, such as the barbell shaped intermediate components 1405 discussed above. The elongated shape helps to keep the components in their intended channel.

[0097] In the particular version shown in FIG. 20, there are nine sets of loops. The nine sets of loops include the first loop 140 and two first additional loops 2005 that are parallel to the first loop 140, the second loop 145 and two second additional loops 2010 that are parallel to the second loop 145, and the third loop 805 and two third additional loops 2015 that are parallel to the third loop 805. In this version, each positional node 130 is an intersection node 150 so that in any position, a peg member 110 can move in either direction along one of at least two loops.

[0098] FIG. 27 shows a particular version of the peg movement puzzle 100 of FIG. 20. In the version of FIG. 27, each peg member 110 has an identifying indicium in the form of one of six colors, shades, or the like, with nine peg members 110 having one of the six colors, shades, or the like. In the version of FIG. 27, the first loop 140 lies in a first plane, the second loop 145 lies in a second plane orthogonal to the first plane, and the third loop 805 lies in a third plane orthogonal to both the first plane and the second plane. In addition, two first additional loops 2005 are provided that lie in planes parallel to the first plane, two second additional loops 2010 are provided that lie in planes parallel to the second plane, and two third additonal loops 2015 are provided that lie in planes parallel to the third plane. The loops are arranged as shown in FIG. 27 to create an array of positional nodes on each of the side of the cuboid body 1705. In the version shown, each side has a three by three array of positional nodes 130 with each node lying in two different loops and being an intersection node 150 for the two different loops. Alternative designs can provide different arrays or array shapes on the sides, such as two by two, two by three, two by four, four by four, etc. by varying the number of first additional loops 2005, second additional loops 2010, and / or third additional loops 2015.

[0099] The object of the peg arrangement puzzle 100 of FIG. 27 is to take the puzzle in a scrambled configuration and move the peg members 110 to arrange the peg members 110 so that each side of the peg arrangement puzzle 100 has the same colors, shades, or the like, as shown in the completed configuration of FIG. 27 with the black peg members all arranged on the front side 1710, the white peg members 110 all arranged on the left side 1715, and the gray peg members 110 all arranged on the top side 1720. In this regard, the peg arrangement puzzle of FIG. 27 is solvable in similar fashion to the way a conventional Rubik’s Cube is solved. However, the peg arrangement puzzle 100 is advantageous over a conventional Rubik’s cube and includes functionality not possible with the Rubik’s cube. For example, in a Rubik’s cube, for a peg or tile to be moved, it must be rotated to a different face of the cube. A peg or tile cannot be moved directly to a different position on the same face of the cube. Similarly, the peg or tile in a Rubik’s cube cannot be moved one position but must instead be moved three positions whereas with the peg arrangement puzzle 100 of the invention, a peg member 110 can be moved one position in one of several directions. Another limitation of. Rubik’s cube is the center tile on each face is locked in position relative to at least one other center tile and cannot be moved out of the center whereas with the peg arrangement puzzle 100 of the invention, all peg members 110 are moveable to any position node 130 in the puzzle. These differences allow for increased functionality of the peg arrangement puzzle 100 of the invention. For example, the peg arrangement puzzle 100 of the invention can easily to adapted to different shapes or designs making the challenge levels more readily scalable and selectable. Also, the peg members 110 can include additional indicia so that the particular peg members 110 have to be in particular order on a side of the cuboid puzzle body 1705.

[0100] FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate design and shape possibilities for the peg arrangement puzzle 100 of the invention. FIG. 28 shows a version of the peg arrangement puzzle 100 in a spherical shape. In this version, the first loop 140 is provided on a vertical plane, and the second loop 145 in provided on a horizontal place. One or more third loops 805 extend in longitudinal manner around the globe-like sphere. One or more additional second loops 2010 extend in latitudinal manner parallel to the second loop 145. FIG. 29 shows a doughnut shaped version with a first loop 140 on the interior of the doughnut, a second loop 145 on the exterior of the doughnut and with a third loop 805 and one or more additional third loops 2015 extended along a plane in vertical section of the doughnut.

[0101] FIG. 30 shows a version of a peg arrangement puzzle 100 of the invention in which peg members 110 serve as the peg member movement mechanism 155. In this version, each peg member 110 in the first loop 140 serves as an intermediate member 1105 for peg members 110 on each side of the peg member 110. In like manner, each peg member 110 in the second loop 145 serves as a second loop intermediate member 1210 for peg members 110 on each side of the peg member 110. Said another way, in this version, the peg member movement mechanism 155 includes one or more intermeditate members 1105 that include a peg head 115. A similar design can be applied to any of the above described designs, with a peg head 115 added to the intermediate members thus creating additional positional nodes 130 on a given peg arrangement puzzle 100.

[0102] FIG. 31 shows a version of a peg arrangement puzzle 100 in which a two dimensional puzzle has a first loop 140 and a second loop 145 with a single intersection node 150. In this version, the peg movement mechanism 155 includes a mechanism that encourages a moving peg member 155 to move into a desired loop. For example, as can be seen in FIG. 31, when a clockwise indirect force 3105 from the first loop 140 is applied to a peg member 110 in the intersection node 150 to push the peg member 110 out of the intersection node 150, a first loop encouraging mechanism 3110 encourages the peg member 110 to move along the first loop 140 instead of moving into the second loop 145. This first loop encouraging mechanism 3110 can be provided by the rotational movement of the intermediate member 1105 in the direction of the arrow 3115 to create space for the peg member 110 to move. This encouragement can be further enhanced by having the intermediate member 1105 be fluid like. In one version, the intermediate member can be a fluid, such as water or the like, that is in a sealed loop. As a peg member 110 moves in a loop, backside pressure drops thus allowing a peg member 110 at the intersection node 150 to move in the desired loop.

[0103] Various alterations and permutations of the above described peg arrangement puzzle 100 and components are to be understood to be included as part of the invention. For example, the shapes and configurations of the puzzle body 105 can be any geometric shape and the arrangement of one or more loops on the puzzle body 105 can be any shape and placement. Also, though the peg arrangement puzzle 100 has been shown and descirbed as physical embodiments, the puzzle concepts are also applicable to electronic puzzles where the body 105, peg members 110, loops, and peg movement mechanism 155 are adapted to become a virtual body, virtual peg members, virtual loops, and a virtual peg movement mechanism displayed on an electronic screen. In this version, the direct and indirect movement of peg members 110 about a loop can be caused by electronic control.

[0104] Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with regard to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible, and alterations, permutations and equivalents of the versions shown will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the specification and study of the drawings. For example, the cooperating components may be reversed or provided in additional or fewer number, and all directional limitations, such as up and down and the like, can be switched, reversed, or changed as long as doing so is not prohibited by the language herein with regard to a particular version of the invention. Like numerals represent like parts from figure to figure. When the same reference number has been used in multiple figures, the discussion associated with that reference number in one figure is intended to be applicable to the additional figure(s) in which it is used, so long as doing so is not prohibited by explicit language with reference to one of the figures. Also, the various features of the versions herein can be combined in various ways to provide additional versions of the present invention. Furthermore, certain terminology has been used for the purposes of descriptive clarity, and not to limit the present invention. Throughout this specification and any claims appended hereto, unless the context makes it clear otherwise, the term “comprise” and its variations such as “comprises” and “comprising” should be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, limitation, or step but not the exclusion of any other elements, limitations, or steps. Throughout this specification and any claims appended hereto, unless the context makes it clear otherwise, the term “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” should be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, limitation, or step and the exclusion of any other elements, limitations, or steps or the exclusion of any other essential elements, limitations, or steps, respectively. Throughout the specification, any discussion of a combination of elements, limitations, or steps should be understood to include (i) each element, limitation, or step of the combination alone, (ii) each element, limitation, or step of the combination with any one or more other element, limitation, or step of the combination, (iii) an inclusion of additional elements, limitations, or steps (i.e. the combination may comprise one or more additional elements, limitations, or steps), and / or (iv) an exclusion of additional elements, limitations, or steps or an exclusion of essential additional elements, limitations, or steps (i.e. the combination may consist of or consist essentially of the disclosed combination or parts of the combination). All numerical values, unless otherwise made clear in the disclosure or prosecution, include either the exact value or approximations in the vicinity of the stated numerical values, such as for example about + / - ten percent or as would be recognized by a person or ordinary skill in the art in the disclosed context. The same is true for the use of the terms such as about, substantially, and the like. Also, for any numerical ranges given, unless otherwise made clear in the disclosure, during prosecution, or by being explicitly set forth in a claim, the ranges include either the exact range or approximations in the vicinity of the values at one or both of the ends of the range. When multiple ranges are provided, the disclosed ranges are intended to include any combinations of ends of the ranges with one another and to include zero and infinity as possible ends of the ranges. Therefore, any appended or later filed claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein and should include all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A peg arrangement puzzle comprising:a puzzle body;a plurality of peg members moveable on the puzzle body; anda peg track on the puzzle body, the peg track comprising:a first loop containing a plurality of first loop positional nodes;a second loop containing a plurality of second loop positional nodes; andone or more intersection nodes at an intersection of the first loop and the second loop, an intersection node being a shared first loop positional node and second loop positional node; anda peg movement mechanism adapted to move a peg member in the first loop to any first loop positional node and a peg member in the second loop to any second loop positional node;wherein a peg member at an intersection node can be selectively moved along the first loop to any first loop positional node or along the second loop to any second loop positional node, andwherein the peg arrangement puzzle can be solved by positioning the plurality of peg members in a desired arrangement.

2. A peg arrangement puzzle according to claim 1 wherein the peg member at the intersection node can be moved by direct manipulation of the peg member or my indirect manipulation by the peg movement mechanism.

3. A peg arrangement puzzle according to claim 1 wherein the peg movement mechanism comprises a first loop movement mechanism adapted to move a peg member at a first loop positional node to a different first loop positional node, wherein the peg movement mechanism comprises a second loop movement mechanism adapted to move a peg member at a second loop positional node to a different second loop positional node, and wherein a peg member at the intersection node can be selectively moved to another first loop positional node by the first loop movement mechanism or to another second loop positional node by the second loop movement mechanism.

4. A peg arrangement puzzle according to claim 1 wherein the peg member comprises a peg head having an identifying indicium thereon.

5. A peg arrangement puzzle according to claim 1 wherein the peg member comprises a peg head connected to a peg base by a peg stem, and wherein the peg base is slideable within the peg track.

6. A peg arrangement puzzle according to claim 1 wherein the peg movement mechanism comprises an intermediate member positioned between adjacent peg members in the peg track, wherein the intermediate member has a first end adapted to be pushed on by one of the adjacent peg members and a second end adapted to push on the other of the adjacent peg members.

7. A peg arrangement puzzle according to claim 6 wherein the intermediate member comprises a single-piece incompressible member.

8. A peg arrangement puzzle according to claim 6 wherein the intermediate member comprises a plurality of components with a component making up the first end of the intermediate member and a different component making up the second end of the intermediate member.

9. A peg arrangement puzzle according to claim 1 wherein the peg track comprises a channel formed in the puzzle body.

10. A peg arrangement puzzle according to claim 9 wherein each peg member comprises a peg base that is slidably received within the channel, and wherein the puzzle body comprises a cover member that covers the channel to secure the peg base within the channel.

11. A peg arrangement puzzle according to claim 1 wherein the puzzle body is a three dimensional body, and wherein the first loop and the second loop are non-coplanar.

12. A peg arrangement puzzle according to claim 11 wherein the peg track comprises a third loop, and wherein the first loop, second loop, and third loop are non-coplanar.

13. A peg arrangement puzzle according to claim 11 wherein the peg track comprises a third loop, and wherein the first loop, second loop, and third loop are orthogonal.

14. A peg arrangement puzzle comprising:a three dimensional puzzle body;a plurality of peg members moveable in three dimensions on the puzzle body; anda peg track on the puzzle body, the peg track comprising:a first loop containing a plurality of first loop positional nodes;a second loop containing a plurality of second loop positional nodes;a third loop containing a plurality of third loop positional nodes; andone or more first intersection nodes at an intersection of the first loop and the second loop the intersection node being a shared first loop positional node and second loop positional node;one or more second intersection nodes at an intersection of the second loop and the third loop the intersection node being a shared second loop positional node and third loop positional node;wherein a peg member at a first intersection node can be selectively moved along the first loop to any first loop positional node or along the second loop to any second loop positional node, andwherein a peg member at a second intersection node can be selectively moved along the second loop to any second loop positional node or along the third loop to any third loop positional node,wherein each peg member is positionable at any of the first loop positional nodes, the second loop positional nodes, and the third loop positional nodes by movement along the peg track, and wherein the peg arrangement puzzle can be solved by positioning the plurality of peg members in a desired arrangement.

15. A peg arrangement puzzle according to claim 14 wherein the peg arrangement puzzle comprises a peg movement mechanism adapted to move a peg member in the first loop to any first loop positional node, a peg member in the second loop to any second loop positional node, and a peg member in the third loop to any third loop positional node.

16. A peg arrangement puzzle according to claim 15 wherein the peg member at the first intersection node can be moved by direct manipulation of the peg member or my indirect manipulation by the peg movement mechanism.

17. A peg arrangement puzzle according to claim 15 wherein the peg movement mechanism comprises a first loop movement mechanism adapted to move a peg member at a first loop positional node to a different first loop positional node, wherein the peg movement mechanism comprises a second loop movement mechanism adapted to move a peg member at a second loop positional node to a different second loop positional node, wherein the peg movement mechanism comprises a third loop movement mechanism adapted to move a peg member at a third loop positional node to a different third loop positional node, wherein a peg member at the first intersection node can be selectively moved to another first loop positional node by the first loop movement mechanism or to another second loop positional node by the second loop movement mechanism, and wherein a peg member at the second intersection node can be selectively moved to another second loop positional node by the second loop movement mechanism or to another third loop positional node by the third loop movement mechanism.

18. A peg arrangement puzzle according to claim 14 wherein the peg member comprises a peg head having an identifying indicium thereon.

19. A peg arrangement puzzle comprising:a rectanguloid puzzle body having six sides;a plurality of peg members moveable in three dimensions on the puzzle body; anda peg track on the puzzle body, the peg track comprising a plurality of loops, the plurality of loops comprising:a first loop containing a plurality of first loop positional nodes, the first loop extending along a first plane;a first additional loop containing a plurality of first additional loop positional nodes, the first additional loop extending along a plane parallel to the first plane;a second loop containing a plurality of second loop positional nodes, the second loop extending along a second plane that is orthogonal to the first plane;a second additional loop containing a plurality of second additional loop positional nodes, the second additional loop extending along a plane parallel to the second plane;a third loop containing a plurality of third loop positional nodes, the third loop extending along a third plane that is orthogonal to the first plane and the second plane; anda third additional loop containing a plurality of third additional loop positional nodes, the third additional loop extending along a plane parallel to the third plane;wherein each side of the rectanguloid puzzle body contains an array of positional nodes, wherein each positional node in the array of positional nodes is an intersection of two of the plurality of loops, andwherein a peg member at a first loop positional node can be moved directly to any other first loop positional node without having to move along a different loop.

20. A peg arrangement puzzle according to claim 19 wherein the rectanguloid puzzle body is a cuboid puzzle body, and wherein the peg track comprises two first additional loops, two second additional loops, and two third additional loops arranged so that each side of the cuboid puzzle body contains a three by three array of positional nodes, and wherein all peg members of the peg arrangement puzzle are positionable at all positional nodes of the peg arrangement puzzle.

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