A puzzle

Abstract

A puzzle comprising a cube shape (100) structure having six faces (A, B, C, D, E, F), comprising a plurality of cube-like members (102), the cube-like members being arranged in rows, the puzzle being configured such that a row of the cube-like members is movable by means of its rotation relative to another row, the cube shape structure comprising an odd number of rows, each row comprising the same number of cube-like members as each other row, each row comprising an odd number of cube-like members, each face of the cube shape structure having a centre cube-like member (133) with an outward face on the exterior of the cube shape structure; wherein the outward face of the centre cube-like member of at least two of the six faces is arranged to be illuminable by a light emitting means (116) being arranged within each of the at least two centre cube-like members, wherein the colour of the light emitted from one of the at least two centre cube-like members is different from the colour of the light emitted from any another of the at least two centre cube-like members.

Description

A Puzzle

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a puzzle and finds particular, although not exclusive, utility in block style puzzles, such as a Rubik’s Cube®-like puzzle.

[0002] A puzzles, such as a Rubik’s Cube®, is a three-dimensional block style puzzle structure. The objective of such puzzle structures is to match the colours or patterns on each face of the structure in the fastest time possible.

[0003] Block style puzzles have been popular since the inception of the Rubik’s Cube® in 1974. It is therefore desirable to provide a different block style puzzle. For example, it may be desirable to provide a block style puzzle that acts as a training aid.

[0004] In a first aspect there is provided a puzzle comprising a cube shape structure having six faces, comprising a plurality of cube-like members, the cube-like members being arranged in rows, the puzzle being configured such that a row of the cube-like members is movable by means of its rotation relative to another row, the cube shape structure comprising an odd number of rows, each row comprising the same number of cube-like members as each other row, each row comprising an odd number of cube-like members, each face of the cube shape structure having a centre cube-like member with an outward face on the exterior of the cube shape structure; wherein the outward face of the centre cube-like member of at least two of the six faces is arranged to be illuminable by a light emitting means being arranged within each of the at least two centre cube-like members, wherein the colour of the light emitted from one of the at least two centre cube-like members is different from the colour of the light emitted from any another of the at least two centre cube-like members.

[0005] The light emitting means may be used to identify the colour of the outward faces a user is aiming to gather together on one side. For example, once completed, each planar side may be a different colour from each other planar side, and a planar side has been completed once each outward face on said planar side has the same colour, including the light emitting means.

[0006] It may be understood that the puzzle is a three-dimensional block style puzzle structure that has an exterior made up of blocks that tesselate to form a surface. The surface of the structure comprises a number of faces and each of these faces is typically made up of blocks that are each a smaller version of the larger face. For example, a Rubik’s Cube® structure has square faces made up of blocks that each have square faces.

[0007] The three-dimensional block style puzzle structures comprise a set of blocks which can be manipulated into different arrangements without detaching the blocks from the structure. The structures are operated mechanically, consisting of multiple rows of pieces along each axis and these rows can rotate independently of each other. Each rotating side may be marked with different colours or patterns. In use, the colours or patterns are intended to be scrambled, then 'solved' by a sequence of moves that sort the faces to a corresponding colour or pattern.

[0008] The structure may comprise a plurality of members, wherein each member is smaller than the structure and resembles the structure such that each member of the structure appears to be same shape as the structure. The members are arranged in rows, otherwise known as being arranged in layers. Each row may be configured to rotate, such that each of the members in the row rotates about an axis of the structure that is perpendicular to a largest facet of the row, such as an axis of the structure that is perpendicular to the centre of a largest facet of the row. Each row may be a three-dimensional row that comprises members with faces on more than one face of the structure. Each row may be sized in one dimension to no greater than the height of one of the members. For example, each row of members may have a thickness of no greater than one member.

[0009] It may be understood that a cube-like feature may have the appearance of a cube from at least one view point. More specifically, when incorporated into a cube structure, a cube-like member may be indistinguishable by a human eye from a cube, in use. The cube-like members may each include a stalk, or other means to connect together, and / or to a central core, so as to maintain an overall larger cube-like shape in use.

[0010] An illuminable face may be a face capable of illuminating itself. For example, an illuminable face may be a face configured to emit light therefrom. Each, or an, illuminable face may be an outward face of a member with only one outward face. It may be understood that a member with only one outward face is a member that is not disposed on the edge of the structure. More specifically, a member with only one outward face may be a member on a planar side that is surrounded by other members on the planar side. A member on a planar side that is surrounded by other members on the planar side may be a central member of the planar side. It may be understood that an edge of the structure is a border between two planar sides.

[0011] It may be understood that an outward face is a face that visible in use. In particular, it may be understood that an outward face is a face of a member that is on an exterior surface of the structure. The structure may have a different colour on each planar side in a completed arrangement. Each outward face on a planar side of the structure may be the same colour in the completed arrangement.

[0012] Each planar side has members grouped into rows, such as three rows, or five rows. A row of members may rotate together, e.g. as a group, about an axis passing through the centre of the structure. A member may form part of more than one row, such that rotation with a first group moves an outward face of the member onto a first planar side and rotation with a second group moves the outward face of the member onto a second planar side, wherein the first and second planar sides are different from each other. It may be understood that the originating planar side is a different planar side to the first and second planar sides.

[0013] At least eight of the members may comprise three or more outward faces on an exterior of the structure, forming corners or vertices. One or more of the outward faces of one or more members may be an illuminable face. For example, each outward face of each member may be an illuminable face. Each illuminable face may comprise more than one light emitting means configured to emit a light. The light emitting means may be an LED light source. Each light emitting means may be addressable, such that fewer cables are required between members of the structure.

[0014] Each member adjacent to an edge of the structure, that is, each member having two outward faces, may have a fixed colour combination. A fixed colour combination of a member adjacent to an edge of the structure may comprise each of the two outward faces displaying a different colour from each other, wherein each colour cannot be changed. The colours of each of the two faces may be fixed by attaching coloured transfers to each face. For example, a red transfer may be attached to one outward face, and a yellow transfer may be attached to the other outward surface. Alternatively, each outward face may be illuminated in a different colour, and the controller may be arranged to prevent the colour being changed, in use.

[0015] Each member forming a corner of the structure, that is, each member having three outward faces, may have a fixed colour combination. A fixed colour combination of a member forming a corner of the structure may comprise each of the three outward faces displaying a different colour from each other, wherein each colour cannot be changed. The colours of each of the three faces may be fixed by attaching coloured transfers to each face. For example, a red transfer may be attached to one outward face, and a yellow transfer may be attached to another outward surface, and a green transfer may be attached to a third outward face. Alternatively, each outward face may be illuminated in a different colour, and the controller may be arranged to prevent the colour being changed, in use.

[0016] The puzzle may further comprise means to select the colour of the light emitted by any of the at least two centre cube-like members.

[0017] The means to select the colour of the light emitted by any of the at least two centre cube-like members may include a switch activatable to control the light emitting means.

[0018] The switch may be disposed in at least one of the at least two centre cube-like members.

[0019] The switch may be one of a depressible button, a contact switch, or a wireless switch. In this regard, the puzzle may further comprise a wireless receiver configured to receive a wireless signal to activate the wireless switch.

[0020] The switch may be on an outward face of a cube-like member. In use, on identifying the colour change in the light emitting means, a user may then proceed to match other outward faces on the same planar side to the colour of the light emitting means by rotating the rows of members.

[0021] The switch may be disposed on one of the illuminable faces. Alternatively, or additionally, the light emitting means may be disposed on the switch. For example, the central member of each planar side may include a switch. Each switch may include a respective light emitting member.

[0022] The switch may be configured to change the colour of the light emitted from the light emitting means of said illuminable face. In this way, on activating the switch, the light emitting means may be used to identify a new colour, different from a colour prior to activation of the switch, of the outward faces a user is aiming to gather together on one side. For example, in use a previously completed side or structure may no longer be completed in view of the new colour and the user must rush to solve the structure for the new lighting pattern. As such, a user must complete the puzzle before the centre cube colours change; if the user does not complete the puzzle before the colour change, they must start again with the new arrangement of colours and solve the puzzle before a second change occurs.

[0023] It may be understood that changing the colour of the light emitted from the light emitting means may refer to a change in the relative brightness between at least two of the red, green, and blue light emitted.

[0024] The puzzle may be configured to change the colour of the light emitted from the light emitting means of said illuminable face after a predetermined period of time.

[0025] The puzzle may be configured such that one of the at least two centre cube-like members emits a first colour, and the other of the at least two centre cube-like members emits a second colour, and responsive to activation of the means to select the colour of the light emitted by any of the at least two centre cube-like members, the one centre cube-like member may emit the second colour instead of the first colour, and the other centre cube-like member may emit the first colour instead of the second colour.

[0026] For example, the colour of the light emitted from the one cube-like member may swap places with that of the colour of the light emitted from the other cube-like member responsive to the activation of the switch.

[0027] The puzzle may be configured to select the colour of the light emitted by any of the at least two centre cube-like members after a predetermined time period.

[0028] The puzzle may further comprise a control circuit, wherein the predetermined time may be generated randomly by the control circuit.

[0029] In some examples, the control circuit may be configured to control lighting characteristics of the light emitted by the illuminable faces. The lighting characteristics may include at least one of colour, a time delay for colour transitions, a lighting frequency, a lighting wavelength, a lighting brightness, and a flashing period.

[0030] Controlling lighting characteristic of colour may facilitate the identification of new colours for the outward faces a user is aiming to gather together on one or more of the sides of the structure. In this way, new challenges may be presented to a user quickly and effectively to further increase their engagement with the structure.

[0031] Controlling the time delay for colour transitions may facilitate the control of the difficulty of solving the planar side or structure. It may be understood that solving the planar side or structure may be synonymous with completing the planar side or structure, respectively. By way of example, solving the planar side or structure may include arranging all of the outward faces, on one or all of the planar sides of the structure, to match the colour of a light emitted on an outward face of said planar side.

[0032] It may be understood that the lighting frequency or a lighting wavelength may be adjusted to change the colour emitted by the light emitting means, and to identify the target colour for a specific planar side using the light emitting means of an outward face.

[0033] In some examples, the lighting brightness may be controlled to enable use of the structure in a range of environments. Reducing the lighting brightness may also have the effect of increasing battery life.

[0034] Controlling the flashing period of the light emitting means may control the difficulty of solving the planar face or the structure before the light emitting means changes colour.

[0035] In some examples, the control circuit may comprise a processor. The processor may be configured to generate a random number. The control circuit may be configured to change the lighting characteristics of the light emitting means of any of the light emitting means after a time calculated using the random number.

[0036] It may be understood that the time calculated using the random number may be a number of seconds that is the randomly generated number. By way of example, the time may be calculated using the random number and / or based on any attribute of the number.

[0037] In some examples, the control circuit may be configured to change the lighting characteristics of the light emitting means of each of the illuminable faces after the time calculated using the random number. In this way, the user engagement with the three-dimensional block style puzzle structures may be increased by randomising the step of identifying the colour of the surfaces a user is aiming to gather together on one side, such that it changes unexpectedly. For example, if the user does not complete the structure quickly enough, a new colour may be identified by the light emitting means before the structure is completed. A planar side may be regarded as having been completed once each outward face on said planar side has the same colour.

[0038] In some examples, the time delay may be selectable between a set of predetermined time delay values using the signal, and wherein the set of predetermined time delay values include 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, and 30 minutes.

[0039] The puzzle may comprise means to change the colour of the light emitted by each of the four centre cube-like members intersected by a plane passing through them; wherein the puzzle may be arranged such that the colour emitted by each of the four centre cube-like members is different; the puzzle being further arranged such that the different colours may have a sequential order around the cube shape structure, and wherein the sequential order may be maintained when the colour of the emitted light is changed. This may be important where the cube shape structure only includes centre cube-like members which illuminate. This is because the edge and corner cube-like members may include fixed colour combinations which are not achievable if the centre cube-like members are emitting certain colours.

[0040] The puzzle may be arranged to select the colour of the light emitted by each of the two centre cube-like members arranged directly opposite one another, such that their colours swap places.

[0041] The puzzle may be arranged to select the colour of the light emitted by each of the centre cube-like members such that the pattern and order of the colours relative to each other (in a cube shape) is maintained after the colours have been changed.

[0042] In a second aspect there is provided a puzzle comprising a cube shape structure having six faces, comprising a plurality of cube-like members, the cube-like members being arranged in rows, the puzzle being configured such that a row of the cube-like members is movable by means of its rotation relative to another row, the cube shape structure comprising an odd number of rows, each row comprising the same number of cube-like members as each other row, each row comprising an odd number of cube-like members, each face of the cube shape structure having a centre cube-like member with an outward face on the exterior of the cube shape structure; wherein the edge and corner cube-like members have fixed colour combinations, the outward face of the centre cube-like member of each of the six faces is arranged to be illuminable by a light emitting means being arranged within each of the centre cube-like members, wherein the colour of the light emitted from one of the centre cube-like members is different from the colour of the light emitted from any other of the centre cube-like members, the puzzle further comprising means to select the colour of the light emitted by any of the centre cube-like members, further configured such that one of the centre cube-like members emits a first colour, and another of the centre cube-like members emits a second colour, and responsive to activation of the means to select the colour of the light emitted by any of the centre cube-like members, the one centre cube-like member emits the second colour instead of the first colour, and the other centre cube-like member emits the first colour instead of the second colour, and further arranged to select the colour of the light emitted by each of the centre cube-like members such that the pattern and order of the colours of the centre cube-like members relative to each other (in a cube shape) is maintained after the colours have been changed.

[0043] The optional features described in relation to the first aspect may also be incorporated into the puzzle of the second aspect, either individually or in combination.

[0044] The above and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. This description is given for the sake of example only, without limiting the scope of the invention. The reference figures quoted below refer to the attached drawings.

[0045] depicts a schematic view of an example three-dimensional block style puzzle structure.

[0046] shows a net of the cube puzzle.

[0047] The present invention will be described with respect to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. Each drawing may not include all of the features of the invention and therefore should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.

[0048] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. Likewise, method steps described or claimed in a particular sequence may be understood to operate in a different sequence.

[0049] Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.

[0050] It is to be noticed that the term “comprising”, used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It is thus to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression “a device comprising means A and B” should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B.

[0051] Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term “connected”, used in the description, should not be interpreted as being restricted to direct connections only. Thus, the scope of the expression “a device A connected to a device B” should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. “Connected” may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other. For instance, wireless connectivity is contemplated.

[0052] Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “an aspect” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or aspect is included in at least one embodiment or aspect of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in an aspect” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or aspect, but may refer to different embodiments or aspects. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics of any one embodiment or aspect of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner with any other particular feature, structure or characteristic of another embodiment or aspect of the invention, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments or aspects.

[0053] Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the description various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Moreover, the description of any individual drawing or aspect should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in fewer than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[0054] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form yet further embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0055] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practised without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[0056] In the discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of said values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of said alternatives, is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each value lying between said less preferred value and said intermediate value.

[0057] The use of the term “at least one” may mean only one in certain circumstances. The use of the term “any” may mean “all” and / or “each” in certain circumstances.

[0058] It may be understood that visible wavelengths as used herein refers to the wavelengths of light visible to a human. The lower limit of human vision enables humans to see wavelengths of at least 310nm or, in some examples, of at least 380nm. The upper limit of human vision enables humans to see wavelengths of no more than 1100nm or, in some examples, of no more than 700nm.

[0059] The principles of the invention will now be described by a detailed description of at least one drawing relating to exemplary features. It is clear that other arrangements can be configured according to the knowledge of persons skilled in the art without departing from the underlying concept or technical teaching, the invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

[0060] depicts a schematic view of an example three-dimensional block style puzzle structure 100 in the form of a cube having six faces. The three-dimensional block style puzzle structure 100 comprises a set of cube-like blocks 102, 104, 105, which can be manipulated into different arrangements without detaching the blocks 102, 104, 105 from the structure 100.

[0061] The structure 100 is operated by rotational movement of each row of blocks 102, 104, 105. Multiple rows of blocks are provided. For instance, rows of blocks are arranged in parallel with an edge of a planar side 122 (or face) of the structure 100. For example, numerals 102, 104, and 105 show a row of blocks parallel to at least one edge of a planar side 122. Discontinuities 124, 126 (otherwise referred to as spaces 124, 126), shown as lines between the blocks of the structure 100, permit rotation of the rows of blocks about an axis that is perpendicular to a planar side (or face) 122 and which passes through the centre of the structure 100.

[0062] The structure 100 shown includes six planar sides (or faces), each having three rows of three cube-like members 102, 104, 105. Each cube-like member includes at least one outward face 106, 108.

[0063] In this example, the central cube-like member 133 of each planar side includes a switch 110, 112, 114. Each switch 110, 112, 114 may include a respective light emitting means 116, 118, 120. However, only one of the central cube-lie members may include a switch and the light emitting means may be separate from the switch.

[0064] Each outward face 106, 108 is marked with a colour. In use, the colours or patterns are intended to be 'solved' by a sequence of rotations of the rows that sort the outward faces 106, 108 such that each planar side 122 shows outward faces with a matching colour or pattern. Each block 102, 104, 105 resembles the structure 100 such that each block 102, 104, 105 of the structure 100 appears to be same shape as the structure 100.

[0065] In use, a user may hold the structure 100 in their hands. To switch it on a player may activate one of the centrally located switches 110, 112, 114. Upon pressing the switch 110, 112, 114, the respective light emitting means 116, 118, 120 may illuminate. Alternatively, a single switch may activate all of the light emitting means. For instance, there may only be a single switch provided. It may be arranged on one of the central cubes on one planar side of the puzzle. The switch may be a button and the pressing of that button may turn on all of the light emitting means, each one arranged in the central cube of each planar side (or face) of the cube. Each light emitting means may emit a different colour from the others. For instance, one side may be red, another blue, a third yellow, a fourth green, a fifth orange and a sixth white. The player then has to rearrange the moveable cubes such that the outward faces of each cube on each planar side of the cube has only a single colour which matches the colour of the central light emitting means.

[0066] With no light being emitted, the outward face of the light emitting means may be white or clear (transparent).

[0067] A control circuit (not shown) may be provided within the structure. Responsive to a switch 112 being activated, the control circuit may be configured to cause the light emitting means of the illuminable face with the respective light emitting means 118 to change the colour of light emitted. For example, responsive to a switch 112 being pressed, the control circuit may cause the light emitting means 118 to switch the emitted colour with the light emitting means 116 on a different planar side.

[0068] The control circuit may be configured to control lighting characteristics of the light emitting means 118 on a planar side 122 of the structure 100, wherein the lighting characteristics include at least one of colour, a time delay for colour transitions, a lighting frequency, a lighting wavelength, a lighting brightness, and a flashing period.

[0069] The control circuit may be controlled by multiple activations of the switch. For instance, two quick presses of the switch (in the form of a button) may set the control circuit to change the colour of at least one of the light emitting means after 5 minutes. If more than one switch is provided then various control scenarios may be producible by a particular sequence of switch activations.

[0070] For instance, the time period after which the colours change may be determined in this manner.

[0071] shows a net 200 of the cube 100 wherein the square faces A, B, C, D, E, F have been separated at their edges and laid out flat to make a two-dimensional figure. Each face has a uniform colour such that, for instance, face A is red, face B is green, face C is orange, face D is white, face E is blue, and face F is yellow. In use, the central cube-like member 205, 210, 215, 220, 225, 230 of each face may emit light with a colour which matches the faces 240, 250, 260 of the other cube-like members in each face.

[0072] In this example, the colour of the faces of all cube-like members (240, 250, 260), other than the central cube-like members, are fixed. It will be noted that in this example, the colours of the faces of edge pieces are fixed relative to one another. For instance, the edge piece which straddles faces A and B has two faces 206, 207. The colour of face 206 is the same colour as face A, namely red. The colour of face 207 is the same colour as face B, namely green. Likewise, the edge piece which straddles faces D and E has two faces 211, 212. The colour of face 211 is the same colour as face D, namely white. The colour of face 212 is the same colour as face F, namely blue.

[0073] In use, as explained above, it is possible for the colour of the light emitted from the central cube-like members to be changed, either randomly, or according to a pattern. However, the cube is configured such the pattern or arrangement of the colours of light emitted from the central cube-like members on adjacent faces allows the puzzle to be completed. In other words, although the colours of light emitted from the central cube-like members may change, the colour of the light emitted on adjacent faces may follow set rules such that, for instance with regard, red and green are always adjacent, and green and white are always adjacent, and white and blue are always adjacent, and blue and red are always adjacent. In this manner, the edge piece which has faces 206, 207 straddling faces A and B may be positioned correctly. By contrast, if the colour of light emitted from two adjacent faces was red and white then the puzzle could not be completed because there is no edge piece having a red face and a white face.

[0074] Likewise, corner cubes (for instance having face 266 on face B, 267 on face D, and 268 on face C) will have three colours (green, white, orange) in fixed relationship to one another. Accordingly, any rearrangement of the colours of the light emitted from some or all of the central cube-like members must maintain three sides adjacent to each other that have the colours green, white and orange.

[0075] The puzzle may be arranged such that the pattern and order of the colours of the light emitted from each of the six central cube-like members is maintained relative to itself. For instance, with reference to, faces A, B, D and E may be re-arranged from red, green, white and blue, to green, white, blue, and red. The order of the colours has been maintained. The colour of any two opposite faces may be swapped without preventing the puzzle to be completed. For instance, faces C and F could be changed from orange and yellow to yellow and orange respectively. Likewise, faces B and E could be changed from green and blue to blue and green respectively.

[0076] Moreover, the overall pattern and order of the colours relative to one another in a cube shape may be maintained such that orange and yellow are always opposite one another, and blue and green are always opposite one another, and white and red are always opposite one another, and orange, green and white are always adjacent one another. In use, their arrangement on the cube itself may be changed such that where a player of the puzzle may have been trying to gather all the red faces onto face A, after the position of the lights have changed, he may be trying to gather all the red faces onto face B, but the relative positions of the colours is maintained.

Claims

A puzzle comprising a cube shape structure having six faces, comprising a plurality of cube-like members, the cube-like members being arranged in rows, the puzzle being configured such that a row of the cube-like members is movable by means of its rotation relative to another row, the cube shape structure comprising an odd number of rows, each row comprising the same number of cube-like members as each other row, each row comprising an odd number of cube-like members, each face of the cube shape structure having a centre cube-like member with an outward face on the exterior of the cube shape structure; wherein the outward face of the centre cube-like member of at least two of the six faces is arranged to be illuminable by a light emitting means being arranged within each of the at least two centre cube-like members, wherein the colour of the light emitted from one of the at least two centre cube-like members is different from the colour of the light emitted from any another of the at least two centre cube-like members.The puzzle of claim 1, further comprising means to select the colour of the light emitted by any of the at least two centre cube-like members.The puzzle of claim 2, wherein the means to select the colour of the light emitted by any of the at least two centre cube-like members includes a switch activatable to control the light emitting means.The puzzle of claim 3, wherein the switch is disposed in at least one of the at least two centre cube-like members.The puzzle of either one of claims 3 and 4, wherein the switch is one of a depressible button, a contact switch, or a wireless switch.The puzzle of any one of claims 2 to 5, configured such that one of the at least two centre cube-like members emits a first colour, and the other of the at least two centre cube-like members emits a second colour, and responsive to activation of the means to select the colour of the light emitted by any of the at least two centre cube-like members, the one centre cube-like member emits the second colour instead of the first colour, and the other centre cube-like member emits the first colour instead of the second colour.The puzzle of any one of claims 2 to 6, configured to select the colour of the light emitted by any of the at least two centre cube-like members after a predetermined time period.The puzzle of claim 7, further comprising a control circuit, and wherein the predetermined time is generated randomly by the control circuit.The puzzle of any one of claims 2 to 8, comprising means to change the colour of the light emitted by each of the four centre cube-like members intersected by a plane passing through them; wherein the puzzle is arranged such that the colour emitted by each of the four centre cube-like members is different; the puzzle being further arranged such that the different colours have a sequential order around the cube shape structure, and wherein the sequential order is maintained when the colour of the emitted light is changed.The puzzle of any one of claims 2 to 9, arranged to select the colour of the light emitted by each of the two centre cube-like members arranged directly opposite one another such that their colours swap places.The puzzle of any one of claims 2 to 9, arranged to select the colour of the light emitted by each of the centre cube-like members such that the pattern and order of the colours relative to each other (in a cube shape) is maintained after the colours have been changed.

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