ODD-SHAPED THREE-DIMENSIONAL LOGICAL PUZZLES

Abstract

A method used to convert easily any given odd-shaped solid into perfectly interfitting elements to create three-dimensional puzzles. The method is based on steps producing mobile elements, carrying elements and optionally a center element and implementing holding means, retaining means and translating-rotating motions. Procedures also explain how to add secret compartment features to the odd-shaped puzzle family. This method and procedures can create extremely challenging, and aesthetic three-dimensional puzzles having shifting and optionally sliding features. This method and procedures work with odd-shaped solids, spherical solids and polyhedral solids of any kind.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to three-dimensional logical puzzles and, in particular, to a method of creating three-dimensional logical puzzles having odd, irregular or asymmetrical shapes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art of shifting-movement puzzles includes regular, semi-regular and irregular polyhedra. There are numerous types of polyhedron-based puzzles known in the art. Most of the prior art polyhedron puzzles are based on the five platonic solids and are of very moderate complexity.

Also known in the art are ball-shaped or spherical puzzles. Spherical puzzles created by dividing a sphere based on a guiding regular polyhedron, i.e. by defining outer spherical sections by dividing the sphere parallel to a guiding polyhedron to create overlapping spherical sections on the sphere, are proposed by Applicant in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/738,673 (Paquette) entitled “Three-Dimensional Logical Puzzles”, which was filed on Apr. 23, 2007.

Also known in the art are complexly subdivided regular, semi-regular or irregular polyhedron-based puzzles, or spherical puzzles, or odd-shaped puzzles enabling shifting (and optionally also sliding movement) proposed by Applicant in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/866,713 (Paquette) entitled “Dividing Method for Three-Dimensional Logical Puzzles”, which was filed on Oct. 3, 2007, 2007. A spherical puzzle created by this method is highly challenging, entertaining and aesthetically pleasing.

Also known in the art are a few odd-shaped puzzles, such as a human head for example, but these are of a low difficulty level due to the complexity of the shape division involved.

Also known in the art are secret compartment puzzles as disclosed by Applicant in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/941,223 (Paquette) entitled “Keyed Access to Hollow Three-Dimensional Puzzles”, which was filed on Nov. 16, 2007.

Therefore, complexly subdivided odd-shaped puzzles enabling shifting movements (and optionally also sliding movements) and optionally incorporating secret compartment features would provide very challenging, entertaining and aesthetically-pleasing three-dimensional puzzles which would also be highly amenable to being used as promotional vehicles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an easy, straightforward method for converting odd-shaped solids into challenging, entertaining and aesthetically pleasing three-dimensional puzzles having shiftable elements (and optionally also having superimposed slidable elements).

Another object of the present invention is to provide an odd-shaped puzzle having a secret hollow compartment that can be accessed by manipulating the puzzle into a solution configuration.

The present specification discloses a method of converting any given solid into three-dimensional puzzles with perfectly interfitting parts. A hollow portion is sliced out from the odd-shaped solid. This hollow portion is intended to be converted into mobile elements. The remaining portion of the solid will also be converted into carrying elements. The hollow mobile portion is firstly associated with a longitudinal pivoting axis around which all the mobile elements will be free to rotate. Then said mobile portion is sliced across said longitudinal axis more than once to create sliced portions, which will all be sub-divided by multiple radial divisions. At that point the bulk shapes of the mobile elements are established and they only need to be provided with holding means in order to fully terminate the conversion into suitable mobile puzzle elements. It is also multiple radial divisions (or a single one) that are used to convert the remaining portion of the odd-shaped solid into carrying elements. These carrying elements will also be provided with holding means compatible with the aforementioned mobile element holding means and will also be provided with a translating motion mechanism, or a rotating motion mechanism, or a mechanism combining both motions. These translating and rotating motions will allow the mobile elements to be exchanged from sliced portion to sliced portion (group to group) to create a shuffling action of the puzzle elements. The aim of the puzzle being to restore the predetermined odd-shaped solid form or to restore a predetermined indicia pattern depicted on the puzzle outer surfaces.

In other words, a method of converting an odd-shaped solid into perfectly interfitting elements to create a shiftable three-dimensional puzzle entails steps of: (i) selecting from the odd-shaped solid a hollow mobile portion intended to be converted into mobile puzzle elements; (ii) dividing the odd-shaped solid into two portions, the hollow mobile portion and a remaining portion; (iii) associating an axis with the hollow mobile portion, the axis defining an axis of rotation around which the mobile puzzle elements may rotate; (iv) longitudinally dividing the hollow mobile portion along the axis to thereby slice the hollow mobile portion into at least two hollow components; (v) radially dividing the at least two hollow components of the hollow mobile portion into at least two mobile puzzle elements; (vi) incorporating holding means into the mobile puzzle elements to hold the mobile puzzle elements while enabling shifting of the mobile puzzle elements; (vii) radially dividing the remaining portion into at least two carrying elements, the carrying elements defining support bodies adapted to support and carry the mobile elements while enabling motion of the mobile elements relative to the carrying elements; (viii) incorporating further holding means into the carrying elements to hold the mobile puzzle elements while enabling rotation of the mobile puzzle elements about the axis of rotation; (ix) incorporating a translating motion mechanism and/or a rotating motion mechanism into the carrying elements to enable the mobile puzzle elements to be interchanged between different groups of adjacent mobile puzzle elements; and (x) incorporating retaining means into the carrying elements to retain and interconnect the carrying elements to thereby enable translation and/or rotation of one carrying element relative to another carrying element.

The foregoing method can be used to create an odd-shaped three-dimensional logical puzzle comprising (i) a plurality of carrying elements connected together to enable limited translational and/or rotational motion of one carrying element relative to another carrying element; and (ii) a plurality of mobile puzzle elements movably attached to one or more outer surfaces of the carrying elements, the carrying elements and the mobile puzzle elements together defining an odd shape, wherein the mobile puzzle elements are rotationally attached to the carrying elements to rotate in groups of mobile puzzle elements about the carrying elements, and wherein the mobile puzzle elements are shiftable between adjacent groups of mobile puzzle elements by translating and/or rotating one carrying element relative to another carrying element.

The novel method disclosed herein can thus be used to efficiently create any number of challenging odd-shaped puzzles. For the purposes of the present specification, the expression “odd-shaped puzzle” shall mean any puzzle having a shape or structure that is in at least some respect asymmetrical or irregular. For example, odd-shaped puzzles can be made of shapes like a human head, a milk carton, a football, a bottle, a container, a fruit, a vegetable, an animal, a three-dimensional version of a cartoon character, a statue, a building, a vehicle, or virtually any conceivable object.

Since there is a veritable infinity of odd-shaped solids to which the disclosed method herein is applicable, it is to be understood that the principles and techniques properly applied by a person familiar with the art of three-dimensional puzzles can be used to create any number of aesthetically-pleasing and challenging puzzles.

This novel method can also be extended to create odd-shaped puzzles having secret hollow compartments. The carrying elements and the mobile puzzle elements can together define a secluded hollow compartment accessible only by manipulating the carrying elements and the mobile puzzle elements into a solution configuration that unlocks the puzzle.

Therefore, the novel technology disclosed in the present disclosure enables the straightforward creation of a broad range of aesthetically pleasing and challenging odd-shaped puzzles that are particularly useful as promotional vehicles, especially for the products that they resemble.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the appended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates the step used to slice out said hollow mobile portion;

FIG. 2 illustrates the steps required to convert said hollow mobile portion into mobile elements through longitudinal “x” divisions and radial “y” divisions;

FIG. 3 shows the first step to be applied to said remaining portion in order to convert it to carrying elements through “z” divisions;

FIG. 4 presents the translating and rotating motions associated with the carrying elements;

FIG. 5 shows a first mobile element obtained from the “x” and “y” divisions applied to a hollow mobile portion sliced out of a milk carton odd-shaped solid with possible holding means;

FIG. 6 shows a second mobile element with possible holding means;

FIG. 7 shows a third mobile element with possible holding means;

FIG. 8 illustrates a single-sliced (“z”=1) carrying element with possible holding means and two holes being part of a translation mechanism, this particular element being known as the bottom carrying element;

FIG. 9 depicts partially sectioned top carrying elements monolith or with a flexible retainer having holding means and angled slots used to produce the translating motion;

FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view of the complete puzzle of the first preferred embodiment with a half group exploded and a cross-sectional view of the top carrying element illustrating the translation mechanism;

FIG. 11 is a view of the puzzle groups rotated with the carrying elements shown in their initial position with a detailed view of the translation mechanism for that position;

FIG. 12 is a view of the puzzle groups rotated with the carrying elements shown in their translated position with a detailed view of the translation mechanism for that position;

FIG. 13 illustrates in two views a second preferred embodiment of the invention with a purely rotating motion enabling exchange of mobile elements from paired group to paired group;

FIG. 14 illustrates yet another preferred embodiment of the invention having both translating and rotating motions with a view dedicated to the bottom carrying element obtained from an odd-shaped solid in the form of an American football;

FIG. 15 depicts a cross-sectional view of the top carrying element having an elongated slot enabling both translating and rotating motions;

FIG. 16 shows the hollow mobile portion of the American football odd-shaped solid sliced five times (“x”=6) across the longitudinal axis and radially sliced eight times (“y”=8) giving the first mobile element shown in this figure with a possible holding means (dovetail-shaped);

FIG. 17 depicts the second mobile element with a possible holding means (dovetail-shaped);

FIG. 18 depicts the third mobile element with a possible holding means (dovetail-shaped);

FIG. 19 illustrates an exploded view of the third preferred embodiment with six sectioned half groups exploded and a cross-sectional view of the top carrying element illustrating the translation and rotation mechanism;

FIG. 20 is a view of the complete puzzle with groups rotated showing the carrying elements in their initial and translated positions and illustrating the relative positions of the mobile elements before and after translation;

FIG. 21 is a view of the complete puzzle with groups rotated with the carrying elements in their initial and rotated positions and illustrating the relative positions of the mobile elements before and after rotation;

FIG. 22 illustrates a quadru-translating center element required for translation of four carrying elements (“z”=2);

FIG. 23 illustrates a quadru-translating-rotating center element required for translation and rotation of four carrying elements (“z”=2);

FIG. 24 is showing both translating and rotating motions of the four carrying elements with an exploded view showing the assembly of said carrying elements onto the quadru-translating-rotating center element.

FIG. 25 illustrates an American football odd-shaped puzzle transformed into a secret compartment puzzle.

FIG. 26 shows a top carrying multi-key element and a key shaping technique used to force restrictions on the opening configurations.

These drawings are not necessarily to scale, and therefore component proportions should not be inferred therefrom.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

By way of introduction, the dividing method will be illustrated with preferred embodiments related to a milk carton odd-shaped solid, a human head odd-shaped solid and an American football odd-shaped solid. It is to be understood that any odd-shaped solid could have been used for the illustrative purposes of the method described in this disclosure, all within the scope of the present invention.

The basic method presented herein involves a combination of steps to follow to convert any odd-shaped solid into a three-dimensional puzzle. Step 1) A hollow portion of the odd-shaped solid is selected to be converted into mobile elements. This hollow portion may or may not cover the entire outer surfaces of the odd-shaped solid to be converted. Thus, the remaining portion of the odd-shaped solid to be converted into carrying elements may or may not be exposed on the outer surfaces of the puzzles. Step 2) The mobile portion is associated with a longitudinal pivoting axis around which the mobile elements will rotate and this mobile portion is sliced “x” times across said longitudinal pivoting axis. Every slice will eventually become a group of mobile elements. Step 3) Each group is radially sliced through “y” divisions to obtain the bulk shapes of the mobile elements. Step 4) Holding means are incorporated to the bulk mobile elements to ensure proper rotation of the mobile elements around the longitudinal axis and to prevent puzzle disassembly. Many types of holding means are possible as will be explained further on. Step 5) Radial divisions of the remaining solid are used to convert said remaining solid into carrying elements. At least one division is required to split the remaining solid in two (“z”=1). More divisions can be carried on but the mechanisms required for translation and rotation become rapidly complicated. It is possible to divide the remaining solid with a “z” number greater than “y”, but this would be of little interest since when “z” is greater than “y” this does not provide any benefit in terms of the puzzle elements or their motion. Step 6) Holding means are incorporated to the carrying elements to ensure proper rotation of the mobile elements around the longitudinal axis while holding the puzzle together, i.e. preventing puzzle disassembly. Many forms of holding means are possible as will be explained further on. Step 7) Translating motion mechanism, or rotating motion mechanism, or a mechanism combining both motions is incorporated to the carrying elements to enable mobile elements to be interchanged between different (adjacent) groups. Finally, step 8) Retaining means are incorporated to the carrying elements to ensure proper translation and rotation of the carrying elements along the longitudinal axis and around an auxiliary axis. These retaining means also hold the puzzle together, i.e. prevent puzzle disassembly. Many devices can be used as retaining means as will be explained hereinafter.

All the previous steps or sometimes a sub-set of steps (less than eight) can be carried to convert a given odd-shaped solid into a functional three-dimensional puzzle. A person familiar with the art of three-dimensional puzzles will easily adapt this method to the intended odd-shaped solid to be converted.

Since “x” and “y” variables and to some extent the “z” variable are unlimited they can be modified to enhance the puzzle complexity in order to achieve a greater challenge. They can also be adjusted to simplify the puzzle difficulty level. Thus, it is possible to modulate the complexity level of each puzzle by proper selection of the dividing variables “x”, “y” and “z”.

Even if quite a high number of divisions are used for slicing the odd-shaped mobile portions, this will not necessarily translate into a high number of different elements constituting the puzzle. Thus, easily manufacturable puzzles are possible with a very limited number of different elements even with quite a high degree of complication through extended “x”, “y” and “z” divisions. This will become clearer later on in the presentation of the invention.

Since the necessary adjustments to convert the given bulk elements into functioning puzzle elements are well described in the prior art; only brief introductions for the holding means, retaining means and such will be provided in the present disclosure with no further explanation other than mentioning generally that:

(i) each carrying element is connected to the puzzle by a retaining means, i.e. a fastener, fastener subassembly, retainer or other retaining mechanisms. These retaining means hold the pieces in an interfitting relationship and enable translational movement, or rotational movement, or a combination of both movements along and around the associated axes that enable elements to be interchanged from one group or subgroup to another group or subgroup by “shifting” (i.e. translating, twisting or rotating) one group or subgroup relative to the other groups or subgroups. These retaining means could include a coil spring to reduce friction generated between adjoining surfaces and provide easily movable elements that are not prone to jamming, catching or getting “hung up”. These retaining means could be replaced by snapping-action parts, which would also fall within the scope of the present invention;

(ii) holding means are provided for holding the remaining elements in an interfitting relationship with each respective carrying element, or adjacent remaining elements. Interfittings, mechanisms or locking means are possible and are usually formed in the remaining elements and the carrying elements such that these remaining elements cannot slide out of their fitted position, thus preventing disassembly of the puzzle. For example, holding means could include a tongue and groove mechanism. It is to be understood that this groove could be male (protrusion) or female (cavity), and of many shapes like dovetail-shaped, L-shaped or T-shaped or of any shape that provides a holding means allowing rotation about at least an axis, all within the scope of the present invention. Some possible holding means are proposed by Applicant in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/866,713, supra, which is hereby incorporated by reference;

(iii) the obtained puzzle can be designed with or without a center element located inside of the given solid puzzle. This center element is used to provide either translating motion, or rotating motion, or a combination of both motions when more than two carrying elements are sliced out of the said remaining odd-shaped solid. This center element is provided with appropriate slots, and optionally a rotating inner core element located inside of said center element, which can be either (a) an inner sphere, or (b) an internal concentric polyhedron, or (c) an axial rod (pivot) system. The appropriate kind of center element is designer selected and depends in part on the odd-shaped solid intended to be converted into a three-dimensional puzzle. When a rotating inner core element is used, the center element is slidably connected, or rotationally connected, or a combination of both, to the rotating inner core element by screws and the carrying elements are also connected to the center element by screws. It is to be understood that these screws could be replaced by snapping action parts or other retaining mechanisms. All of the previously mentioned possibilities or modifications lie within the scope of the present invention.

The foregoing adjustments (or other similar adjustments well within the capabilities of a person of ordinary skill in the art) are needed to convert the given bulk solid elements into puzzle elements and are as aforementioned briefly presented in the following figures of this disclosure so as to obtain fully functioning (shiftable) puzzles. These modifications and adjustments are well within the reach of a person familiar with the art of three-dimensional puzzles and therefore don't require elaborated explanation.

It is also worth mentioning that for simplicity reasons only carrying elements being single sliced (“z”=1) are used for illustrative purposes in FIG. 1 to FIG. 21. Multi-sliced carrying element adjustments (“z” greater than 1) will be rapidly introduced in FIG. 22 to FIG. 24. FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 depict how secret compartment features are implemented.

FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 illustrate the basic steps involved in the disclosed method. Every step covered in these figures has a huge influence on the resulting puzzle elements. That influence is translated into different types, forms and numbers of elements and can be used to modulate the difficulty level of a given puzzle obtained by application of the present method to a given odd-shaped solid. A milk carton is employed as a first preferred embodiment to show how the method is applied. However it is to be understood that any other odd-shaped solid may have served this purpose without departing from the technology disclosed herein.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1. The first step of the method requires that the puzzle designer selects a portion L of the odd-shaped solid that is intended to be converted into mobile elements. This hollow mobile portion L is sliced out of the base odd-shaped solid in between two surfaces as shown in FIG. 1. Here the surfaces are illustrated as being planar and parallel. However, this is not an absolute requirement and depending on the odd-shaped solid to be converted into puzzle elements other slicing surface shapes can be used that need not be parallel. Sometimes they can be converging, diverging, partially colinear, concentric and even unrelated in specific cases. Also, this said hollow mobile portion L can cover the entire puzzle outer surfaces, in which case the carrying mobile elements (to be presented in FIG. 3) will be unapparent and included, possibly inscribed, in the odd-shaped solid. The shape of the hollow center of said mobile portion L can be of any kind and is not restricted to a cylindrical shape as shown in the present figure. Proper selection of the hollow mobile portion L and of the hollow center shape are well within the reach of a person familiar with three-dimensional puzzles design and require no further explanation.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2. Having established the hollow mobile portion to be converted into puzzle elements a second step is performed in which a longitudinal pivoting axis b-b is associated with said hollow mobile portion. For this particular application this axis is located along the geometrical center of the cylindrical hollow center. Also in this second step, the hollow mobile portion is multi-sliced “x” times across this associated longitudinal axis b-b. Each slice will become in the next steps of the method a group of mobile elements. In FIG. 2 the hollow mobile portion is sliced across the longitudinal axis five times (“x”=6). Then the bulk shapes of the mobile elements are completed through a third step involving radial divisions of every slice. These radial divisions are carried “y” times to give 2 multiplied by “y” mobile elements per group. In the illustrations “y” is equal to 6. It should be noted that not every slice needs to be radially sliced the exact same number of times as the others. In other words, each slice can have its own “y” number. However, special attention must be provided by the puzzle designer using multiple “y” divisions to ensure that some basic denominator exists between adjacent slices to permit exchange of mobile elements from group to group. Also to be noted is that the number of different bulk mobile elements obtained through the exact same “x” and “y” divisions would be variable depending on the odd-shaped solids to be converted. For example three different bulk mobile elements are obtained from the divisions performed in FIG. 2 even though there are seventy-two bulk mobile elements in all. One can understand that with the same exact divisions as shown in FIG. 2 but with a cylindrical odd-shaped solid seventy-two bulk mobile elements would also be produced, but only one kind of mobile element repeated twelve times would be required to constitute every one of the six slices (groups).

The fourth step of the method involving the incorporation of holding means to the bulk mobile elements will be deferred to the description of FIG. 5 to FIG. 7.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3. The remaining solid is now converted to carrying elements in step 5 through radial “z” divisions. If a “z”=1 division is carried two carrying elements will be produced namely a bottom carrying element and a top carrying element. This is the kind of “z” divisions (“z”=1) illustrated throughout every figure of the present disclosure for simplicity reasons, except for FIG. 22 to FIG. 24 where “z”=2 divisions are used for illustrative purposes. Also illustrated in the present figure are radial divisions with “z”=“y” resulting in a great number of carrying elements. As aforementioned, radial divisions at “z” greater than “y” are possible but of little interest.

The number 6 step of the method also involving the incorporation of holding means to the bulk carrying elements is deferred to the description of FIG. 8 and FIG. 9.

Reference is now made to FIG. 4. This figure illustrates the two basic motions of the puzzle, translation and rotation, to be incorporated to the carrying elements to enable exchange of mobile elements from group to group. The translating motion is carried along aforementioned longitudinal axis b-b and the rotating motion is carried along an auxiliary axis a-a perpendicular to said longitudinal axis b-b. Other possible axis configurations are possible to suit this particular odd-shaped solid, or a different odd-shaped solid, or to suit multi “z” sliced carrying elements, all within the scope of the present disclosure. To be noted is that translating motions will enable exchanges of mobile elements from group to group while preserving their longitudinal orientation. For rotating motions, the longitudinal orientation of the mobile elements is transposed (reversed) which make for a more complex shuffling of the puzzle elements, in other words, more challenging. A third preferred embodiment will demonstrate in FIG. 14 to FIG. 21, how both translating and rotating motions can be combined in a single puzzle.

Since the multi-slicing step (“x” wise) across the longitudinal axis and the radial multi-slicing step (“y” wise) of a given odd-shaped solid converted into puzzle elements will easily result in a different quantity of elements and different types of elements, it allows one to vary the total number of puzzle elements to achieve either simpler or more complex puzzles. It is to be understood that these simpler or more complex puzzles are within the scope of the invention presented in this disclosure. Also to be understood is that various combinations, changes or modifications are possible giving almost an infinity of possibilities if the steps of the method are used with other odd-shaped given solids.

The magnitude of possibilities given by the “x”, “y” and “z” divisions available to slice an odd-shaped solid into puzzle elements will give a puzzle developer an extreme latitude and a powerful method to create puzzles. It is to be mentioned that any odd-shaped solid can be used for puzzle purposes and converted into puzzle elements.

However, it will be obvious to a person familiar with the art of three-dimensional puzzles, that these steps alone are extremely powerful tools to create astonishingly complex and intriguing puzzles aimed at the expert enthusiast. But as mentioned in the prior art, with proper indicia pattern selection, the puzzle difficulty level can be modulated to obtain a reasonably solvable puzzle.

FIG. 5 to FIG. 9 further illustrate the other steps required to fully convert the basic odd-shaped solid into functioning puzzle elements; steps (number 4 and 6) involving addition of holding means to allow mobile element rotations and prevent puzzle disassembly and, step (number 8) introducing retaining means to provide carrying element translations to this first preferred embodiment and also prevent puzzle disassembly, i.e. to hold the puzzle together.

The purpose of these holding means and retaining means as mentioned are to prevent the puzzle disassembly while enabling shifting of some or all of the puzzle elements. The illustrations show typical shapes for the holding means including tongue and groove mechanisms being dovetail-shaped (which can be either male or female, and of other shapes like T-shaped, L-shaped or of any shape that provides a holding means allowing rotation about at least an axis). Retaining means basically implement puzzle actions through different motions for exchange of mobile elements from group to group.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5. A first mobile element 50 is illustrated having an outer face 51 and two side faces 52 and 53. Holding means are incorporated to this first mobile element 50 in the form of a dovetail-shaped tongue 54 and a groove 55 also dovetail-shaped provided respectively in side faces 52 and 53. Four of these first mobile elements 50 are part of a given group. The dovetail-shaped holding means are as previously mentioned intended to allow rotation of these first mobile elements 50 in groups around said longitudinal axis b-b. The holding means could have been integrated to the inner cylindrical face of the first mobile element 50 as it will be the case with the other preferred embodiments presented further on. Other possible holding means of different shapes are presented by Applicant in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/866,713, supra, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6. A second mobile element 60 is illustrated having two outer faces 61 and two side faces 62 and 63. Holding means are incorporated to this second mobile element 60 in the form of a dovetail-shaped tongue 64 and a groove 65 also dovetail-shaped provided respectively in side faces 62 and 63. Four of these second mobile elements 60 are part of a given group. The dovetail-shaped holding means are as previously mentioned intended to allow rotation of these second mobile elements 60 in groups around said longitudinal axis b-b. The holding means could have been integrated to the inner cylindrical face of the second mobile element 60 as it will be the case with the other preferred embodiments presented hereinafter. Other holding means of different shapes are possible as presented in the prior art.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7. A third mobile element 70 is illustrated having an outer face 71 and two side faces 72 and 73. Holding means are incorporated to this third mobile element 70 in the form of a dovetail-shaped tongue 74 and a groove 75 also dovetail-shaped provided respectively in side faces 72 and 73. Four of these third mobile elements 70 are part of a given group. The dovetail-shaped holding means are as previously mentioned intended to allow rotation of these third mobile elements 70 in groups around said longitudinal axis b-b. The holding means could have been integrated to the inner cylindrical face of the third mobile element 70 as it will be the case with the other preferred embodiments presented hereinafter. Here also other holding means are possible as presented in the prior art.

Reference is now made to FIG. 8. A bottom carrying element 80 is shown with two holes 81 intended to receive proper retaining mechanisms to allow translating motions of the bottom carrying element 80 relatively to the other (top) carrying element. This bottom carrying element 80 has two inner side faces 82 and 83. Holding means are incorporated to this bottom carrying element 80 in the form of a dovetail-shaped groove 84 and a tongue 85 also dovetail-shaped provided respectively on inner side faces 82 and 83. The dovetail-shaped holding means are as previously mentioned intended to allow rotation of the first, second and third mobile elements 50, 60 and 70 in groups around said longitudinal axis b-b. The holding means could have been integrated to the cylindrical face of the bottom carrying element 80 as it will be the case with the other preferred embodiments presented later on. Here also other holding means of different shapes are possible and described in the prior art.

Reference is now made to FIG. 9. A top carrying element 90 partially sectioned is shown with two holes 91 and elongated slots 96 intended to receive proper retaining mechanisms to allow translating motions of the top carrying element 90 relatively to the bottom carrying element 80 along said longitudinal axis b-b. This top carrying element 90 has two inner side faces 92 and 93. Holding means are incorporated to this top carrying element 90 in the form of a dovetail-shaped groove 94 and a tongue 95 also dovetail-shaped provided respectively on inner side faces 92 and 93. The dovetail-shaped holding means are as previously mentioned intended to allow rotation of the mobile elements 50, 60 and 70 in groups around said longitudinal axis b-b. The holding means could have been integrated to the cylindrical face of the top carrying element 90 as it will be the case with the other preferred embodiments presented later on. Other holding means are also presented in the prior art. In some cases it could be advantageous to subdivide said top (or bottom) carrying element 90 into sub-elements 90′ and 90″ reunited with a flexible retainer 97.

Reference is now made to FIG. 10. This figure illustrates an exploded view of the complete puzzle with an exploded half group constituted of two first mobile elements 50, two second mobile elements 60 and two third mobile elements 70. It is evident from this figure how the dovetail-shaped tongues 54, 64, and 74 cooperate to form a circular tongue intended to engage either the circular slideway formed by grooves 84 and 94 of carrying elements 80 and 90, or the circular slideway formed in adjacent groups by grooves 55, 65 and 75 of adjacent mobile elements 50, 60 and 70. A circular tongue is also formed by cooperation of tongues 85 and 95 of carrying elements 80 and 90. These circular tongues and circular slideways act together to allow freedom of rotation for every group. Both carrying elements 80 and 90 are held together by retaining means 101 inserted through holes 91 and fixed into holes 81. Here screws are illustrated as retaining means, but they can be replaced by other mechanisms such as snapping action parts and may integrate coil springs to reduce part friction. These retaining means 101 slide in elongated slots 96 to provide a translating action between both carrying elements 80 and 90. A cross-sectional view of the top carrying element 90 is used to allow appreciation of how this simple translation mechanism is functioning. The elongated slots 96 may be made in forms other than a slanted slot to perform said translating motion. Caps 102 are optionally provided for aesthetical reasons to cover holes 91.

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 exemplify how the mobile elements are exchanged from place to place in a group or from group to group in both the initial position and the translated position. It is the exchangeability of the mobile elements that enable shuffling and restoration of the mobile elements to provide a great challenge to the puzzle enthusiast.

Reference is now made to FIG. 11. The puzzle is shown in its initial position (non translated) where retaining means 101 are aligned with holes 91. In this position each group can be rotated along said longitudinal axis b-b and the relative positions of each mobile element in every group can be modified.

Reference is now made to FIG. 12. The puzzle is shown in its translated position where retaining means 101 are not aligned with holes 91 and are situated at the other end of said slanted slots 96. In this position, two half groups, one with each carrying elements 80 and 90, are prevented from rotating actions. The remaining groups now formed by two translated half groups can be rotated along said longitudinal axis b-b and the relative positions of each mobile element in adjacent groups can be modified. With this translating motion relative positions of each mobile element within a group can also be modified. It is now possible to transport from one group to another a given mobile element. Each group can be positioned according to one of its “y” divisions prior to translation. So there is a great magnitude of possible combinations of group positions available to the enthusiast for shuffling and solving said puzzle providing an interesting challenge.

Completing all the previously described steps of the present method easily enables the creation of a very challenging, entertaining and aesthetically-pleasing three-dimensional puzzle. The preferred embodiment presented in FIG. 1 to FIG. 12 illustrates the concept of a pure translating motion odd-shaped puzzle.

Reference is now made to FIG. 13. This figure presents a second preferred embodiment which schematically illustrates the concept of a pure rotating motion odd-shaped puzzle. Here also, it is to be understood that any other odd-shaped solid may have served this purpose without departing from the present invention. Instead of a translating motion as with the first preferred embodiment a rotating motion is provided in this second preferred embodiment which is shaped as a human head. Every group constituted of a given number of mobile elements grouped in upper portions like 133 and 135 and lower portions like 134 and 136 can be rotated along the longitudinal axis b-b. A retaining means 132 allows a rotating motion of carrying elements 130 and 131 around an auxiliary axis a-a. In their initial positions the puzzle upper and lower portions like 133-134 and 135-136 are aligned and rotate together around axis b-b. Once the carrying elements are rotated around said auxiliary axis a-a, it is now upper portion 135 that is aligned with lower portion 134 and 133 with 136, the same holds true for every pair of groups symmetrically situated on each side of axis a-a. Even though each mobile element can only be exchanged between symmetrical pair of groups, shuffling and restoring actions are possible. Considering that each group is radially sliced “y” times, there will be some degree of magnitude for the possible combinations of group positions available to the enthusiast prior to rotation for shuffling and solving said puzzle providing a good challenge. It is to be noted that the holding means (shown as dovetail-shaped tongues and grooves) are now integrated to the inner face of each mobile element and on the central cylindrical face of each carrying element 130 and 131. This is necessary to avoid male-male or female-female conflicts when the mobile elements are rotated along axis a-a since their orientation along axis b-b are now transposed through rotations. Side face tongues and grooves can be employed if an odd number of groups is provided having a central group with mobile elements different from the others and not exchangeable. These central mobile elements being provided with either two female grooves or two male tongues and proper adjustments being also provided for the holding means situated on the side faces of each carrying elements 130 and 131.

FIG. 14 to FIG. 21 show a third preferred embodiment used to present the concept of a translating motion and rotating motion combined into one odd-shaped puzzle. Other than an American football odd-shaped solid may have been used for illustrative purposes without departing from the present invention.

Reference is now made to FIG. 14. An American football odd-shaped solid is converted into a three-dimensional puzzle through divisions designed with “x”=6, “y”=8, “z”=1 (“z”=1 for illustrative simplicity reasons). A hollow portion L of this odd-shaped solid is to be converted into mobile elements and the remaining solid portion is to be converted into two (“z”=1) carrying elements. The bottom carrying element 140 shown in FIG. 14 has preferably a cylindrical central surface provided with dovetail-shaped holding means 141 concentric with longitudinal axis b-b. Again these holding means 141 could have been male or female and of other shapes as aforementioned. A hole 142 intended to receive a retaining means is provided for allowing translation along axis b-b and rotation along axis a-a.

Reference is now made to FIG. 15. The top carrying element 150 shown in a cross-sectional view has also preferably a cylindrical central surface provided with dovetail-shaped holding means 151 concentric with longitudinal axis b-b. These holding means 151 can be of different forms and shapes as stated. An elongated flat slot 152 intended to cooperate with a retaining means 154 is provided for allowing translation along axis b-b and rotation along axis a-a. An inner hollow volume 153 is provided to allow free movement of retaining means 154. This retaining means is shown as a shoulder screw with a coil spring and a washer but could have been different as previously mentioned with the other embodiments. An assembled illustration of both carrying elements 140 and 150 is showing how the retaining means 154 is positioned and how both holding means 141 and 151 cooperate to form circular slideways intended to receive the various mobile elements of the puzzle.

Reference is now made to FIG. 16. The hollow portion L is “x” divided five times across axis b-b and “y” divided eight times. Each mobile element situated in a given group is identical and is also identical with every mobile element situated in a symmetrical group (symmetry through axis a-a). A first mobile element 160 is illustrated having an outer face 163 and an inner face 162 carrying a holding means 161 incorporated to this first mobile element 160 in the form of a dovetail-shaped tongue 161. Two groups of sixteen of these first mobile elements 160 are forming the pair of end groups. The dovetail-shaped holding means 161 is as previously mentioned intended to allow rotation of these first mobile elements 160 in groups around said longitudinal axis b-b. The holding means 161 could have been integrated to the side faces of the first mobile element 160 with proper adaptations as aforementioned. Other possible holding means of different shapes are presented by Applicant in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/866,713, supra, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Reference is now made to FIG. 17. A second mobile element 170 is illustrated having an outer face 173 and an inner face 172 carrying a holding means 171 incorporated to this second mobile element 170 in the form of a dovetail-shaped tongue 171. Two groups of sixteen of these second mobile elements 170 are forming the pair of mid groups. The dovetail-shaped holding means 171 is as previously mentioned intended to allow rotation of these second mobile elements 170 in groups around said longitudinal axis b-b. The holding means 171 could have been integrated to the side faces of the second mobile element 170 with proper adaptations as previously mentioned. Other possible holding means of different shapes are presented in the prior art.

Reference is now made to FIG. 18. A third mobile element 180 is illustrated having an outer face 183 and an inner face 182 carrying a holding means 181 incorporated to this third mobile element 180 in the form of a dovetail-shaped tongue 181. Two groups of sixteen of these third mobile elements 180 are forming the pair of central groups. The dovetail-shaped holding means 181 is as previously mentioned intended to allow rotation of these third mobile elements 180 in groups around said longitudinal axis b-b. The holding means 181 could have been integrated to the side faces of the third mobile element 180 with proper adaptations as previously mentioned. Other possible holding means of different shapes are presented in the prior art.

Reference is now made to FIG. 19. An exploded view of the complete puzzle is shown. In this figure a cross-sectional view of the top carrying element 150 and an exploded view of the upper portion groups are used to show how the carrying elements 140 and 150 are assembled together by retaining means 154 and how the holding means of every mobile elements in a group cooperate to form a circular tongue intended to engage the circular slideway formed for each group by both carrying elements 140 and 150. The end groups constituted of elements 160, the mid groups constituted of elements 170 and the central groups constituted of elements 180 can be appreciated from this figure.

Reference is now made to FIG. 20. The translating motion of the puzzle is illustrated in this figure. In the translated position two half end groups, one with each carrying elements, are prevented from rotating actions. The remaining groups now formed by two translated half groups can be rotated along said longitudinal axis b-b and the relative positions of every mobile element in adjacent groups can be modified. With the translating motion relative positions of every mobile element from group to group can also be modified. It is now possible to transport from one group to another any given mobile element. Since each group can be positioned according to one of its “y” divisions prior to translation, there is a great magnitude of possible combinations of group positions available to the enthusiast for shuffling and solving said puzzle providing an interesting challenge. To be noted with this particular odd-shaped solid, shuffling of mobile puzzle elements may involve the presence of different shapes of mobile elements in a given group. These size and form differences may be used as guidelines by the enthusiast to restore said puzzle to its initial (unshuffled) position.

Reference is now made to FIG. 21. The rotating motion of the puzzle is illustrated in this figure. Through rotations around auxiliary axis a-a each symmetrical pair of half groups can be transposed along said longitudinal axis b-b and the relative positions of each mobile elements in these groups can be modified. Also simple pivoting movements around said longitudinal axis b-b can modify the relative positions of every mobile element in every group. It is now possible to transport from one group to the paired group any given mobile element and at the same time longitudinally transpose the positions of said given mobile element. Since each group can be positioned according to one of its “y” divisions prior to rotation, there is a great magnitude of possible combinations of group positions available to the enthusiast for shuffling and solving said puzzle providing an interesting challenge. To be noted with this particular odd-shaped solid, shuffling of mobile elements may involve the presence of differently oriented (transposed) mobile elements in a given group. These orientation differences may be used as guidelines or visual clues by the enthusiast to restore the puzzle to its initial (unshuffled) position.

When considering together both motions, translation and rotation, they allow the puzzle enthusiast to transport any given mobile element from one group to the other and change its orientation along said longitudinal axis b-b. So this great movement flexibility provides an extremely challenging and entertaining puzzle.

Puzzlewise, the fixed portion and the moving portion of a puzzle surface can be adjusted by the puzzle designer at will by playing with the different variables (L, “x”, “y” and “z”) involved in the method. This constitutes a big advantage when adapting the puzzle to different purposes, such as creating promotional vehicles, designing simple puzzles for kids or designing complex puzzles for the expert puzzle enthusiast.

By increasing the number of mobile elements involved one can anticipate that the odd-shaped family of three-dimensional puzzles would be very challenging.

Also, by introducing a high magnitude of “x”, “y” and “z” divisions to this family of puzzles, a countless number of puzzles could be obtained, and these would be almost impossible to solve unless appropriate visual indicia patterns were used to modulate (simplify) the difficulty level of these puzzles.

FIG. 22 to FIG. 24 illustrates possible mechanisms for multi-sliced carrying elements providing translating motions and a combination of translating and rotating motions. Again for simplicity reasons only carrying elements being double sliced (“z”=2) are used for illustrative purposes in these figures. These figures are intended to give a general overview of possible mechanisms able to allow said motions.

Reference is now made to FIG. 22. The same exact American football odd-shaped solid as in the third preferred embodiment is converted but now with “z”=2 divisions and only pure translating motions are provided. The only difference for the elements of the puzzle compared to the previous third preferred embodiment is that there are now four carrying elements 220 instead of two and that a quadru-translating center element 221 is added to allow translating motions of all these four carrying elements 220. As illustrated one possible solution for this quadru-translating center element 221 is a hollow cylindrical element provided with four elongated slots 222 one for each carrying element 220. The required translating mechanism is simply accomplished by inserting retaining means 223 from within the quadru-translating center element 221 through elongated slots 222 and securing them into simple holes provided in said carrying elements 220. Now once the “y” divisions of every group match at least one of the two planes formed by the four carrying elements 220 a translating motion along said longitudinal axis b-b can be performed exactly as with the third preferred embodiment. When both planes are matched quarter portions of groups can be translated from group to group instead of half portions as previously. These added “z” divisions give the puzzle enthusiast more latitude for shuffling and solving said puzzle but no complexity is added to said puzzle. Many other mechanisms are possible, like for instance, simply providing the carrying elements 220 with the elongated slots 222 and inserting the retaining means 223 from outside the quadru-translating center element 221 which can become at that time a simple solid of various forms either hollow or not. These variations of possible mechanisms performing the same functions as stated (in this case translations) fall within the scope of the present invention.

Reference is now made to FIG. 23. Implementing both motions, i.e. translation and rotation, in a given puzzle is more complex and requires a more elaborate center element constituted of sub-elements. Here also other mechanisms performing the same tasks may be provided without departing from the present invention. One possible mechanism for this quadru-translating-rotating center element is constituted of an axial rotating inner core 230, four inner holding means 231, four inner retaining means 232 and four sub-carrying elements 235. The axial rotating inner core 230 is provided with two axis z=1 and z=2, one for each “z” division. This inner core element 230 located inside of said quadru-translating-rotating center element, could be either (a) an inner sphere, or (b) an internal concentric polyhedron, or (c) an axial rod (pivot) system as shown in the present figure. The form of the inner core element 230 is designer selected and can be guided by the odd-shaped solid intended to be converted into a three-dimensional puzzle. For each “z” division an axis is provided having two inner holding means 231, one situated at each end. These inner holding means 231 are pivotally retained on said axial rotating inner core 230 by inner retaining means 232. In this particular figure the inner retaining means 232 are shown as being constituted of shoulder screws, coil springs 233 and washers 234. They can be replaced by other inner retaining means like snapping action parts. The inner holding means 231 are provided with inner tongues 237 that can be of other forms (for example dovetail-shaped) and made female (groove) if required at designer will. Four sub-carrying elements 235, one for each carrying element of the puzzle are provided. These sub-carrying elements 235 are provided with inner grooves 238 intended to engage with inner tongues 237 of the inner holding means 231. Inner tongues 237 and grooves 238 cooperate to allow rotation of sub-carrying elements 235 in pair around the “z” axes. Thus the sub-carrying elements 235 are able to perform the rotating motions of the puzzle and are prevented from disassembly. If more “z” divisions were used then more “z” axes would be added to the inner core and more inner holding means and sub-carrying elements would be provided to match the amount of “z” divisions. Now to implement the translating actions simple elongated slots 239 are provided in each sub-carrying element 235. These elongated slots 239 will work exactly as the ones described before to allow translation.

Reference is now made to FIG. 24. With “z”=2 divisions there are now four carrying elements 240 each provided with a hole 242 intended to receive a retaining means 241 shown in this particular figure as a shoulder screw but replaceable with other mechanisms. Once the retaining means 241 are introduced through sub-carrying elements 235 and secured to the carrying elements 240, single translations and pair rotations of these carrying elements 240 are possible. These added “z” divisions give the puzzle enthusiast more latitude for shuffling and solving said puzzle but no complexity is added to said puzzle. Many other mechanisms are possible, like for instance simply providing the carrying elements 240 with the elongated slots 239 and inserting the retaining means 241 from outside the quadru-translating-rotating center element. At that point the sub-carrying elements 235 are provided with a simple hole for receiving and securing the retaining means 241. These variations of possible mechanisms performing the same functions as elaborated previously (in this case translations and rotations) are consequent with the technology disclosed herein. To be noted with this kind of double actions odd-shaped puzzle great care must be taken by the designer to avoid that puzzle elements being taken apart or become loose.

Reference is now made to FIG. 25. In U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/941,223, supra, which is hereby incorporated by reference, Applicant introduced secret compartments into logical three-dimensional puzzles. The challenge involved in these secret compartment puzzles is to reproduce a given sequence or match a pattern in order to gain access to a secluded hollow compartment inside the puzzle by splitting open the puzzle. FIG. 25 shows briefly how an odd-shaped puzzle like the one used as the third preferred embodiment can be provided with such a secret compartment. To be noted, the same modifications for implementing a secret compartment with other odd-shaped puzzles are possible and well within the reach of a three-dimensional puzzle designer. Firstly, the top carrying element is divided in two to become the top carrying key element 250 and the top carrying keyway element 251 in such a manner that a strip key 253 is cut away to be part of said top carrying key element 250 and at the same time a strip keyway 254 is formed in said top carrying keyway element 251. Secondly, at least one mobile element by group is modified by cutting out a keyway 252 in their holding means (here this holding means is a dovetail-shaped tongue) to become mobile keyway elements 160′, 170′ and 180′. With these modified elements integrated, the puzzle is played until the enthusiast match a given configuration where all the mobile keyway elements 160′, 170′ and 180′ in each group are aligned with the strip key 253 of the top carrying key element 250. When this condition is met the top carrying key element 250 can be pulled apart from the top carrying keyway element 251 and access to the secluded hollow compartment 255 is gained. If more than one mobile keyway element is used in some or every group then more than one solution for opening said odd-shaped secret compartment puzzle would exist. The remaining of the secret compartment puzzle is assembled exactly as with the third preferred embodiment by retaining means 154.

Reference is now made to FIG. 26. More complicated opening configurations can be provided by adding multi-strip keys 260 and 261 and multi-strip keyways to the puzzle elements. A top carrying triple strip key element 250′ is shown in the present figure and each strip key 253, 260 and 261 is of a specific width W in order to force a given opening position on more mobile keyway elements 160′, 170′ and 180′ than with a single strip key 253. Proper modifications of the remaining puzzle elements are obvious for a three-dimensional puzzle designer and require no further explanations. To force a single matching position for each mobile element situated in a group X1 to X6 height modulations HX1 to HX6 are introduced into modified mobile keyway elements 160″, 160′″, 170″, 170′″, 180″ and 180′″ and into a modified strip key 253′. With these height modulations HX1 to HX6 each given modified mobile keyway element (either 160″, 160′″, 170″, 170′″, 180″ and 180′″) must be in its corresponding group X1 to X6 to allow puzzle opening. To impose an even more restrictive opening configuration the strip key 253′ is made non symmetrical. With a non symmetrical strip key 253′ the modified mobile keyway elements 160″, 160′″, 170″, 170′″, 180″ and 180′″ with their non symmetrical keyway 252′ must be positioned in their corresponding group X1 to X6 prior to opening of said puzzle and they must be in their proper longitudinal orientation along axis b-b. Otherwise, access to the secluded hollow compartment 255 is prohibited.

By way of partial summary, the foregoing can be understood as a useful and novel technology that can be applied to create virtually any odd-shaped three-dimensional logical puzzle. Such a puzzle includes a plurality of carrying elements connected together to enable limited translational motion of one carrying element relative to another carrying element. The limited translational motion can be implemented using elongated slots. This puzzle also includes a plurality of mobile puzzle elements movably attached to one or more outer surfaces of the carrying elements. The carrying elements and the mobile puzzle elements together define an odd shape, such as a football, human head, or milk carton. In this odd-shaped puzzle, the mobile puzzle elements are rotationally attached to the carrying elements to rotate in groups of mobile puzzle elements about the carrying elements. The mobile puzzle elements are also shiftable between adjacent groups of mobile puzzle elements. Shifting can be accomplished by translating one carrying element relative to another carrying element.

In one embodiment, the carrying elements are also rotationally connected to enable rotational motion of one carrying element relative to another carrying element, as was shown in FIG. 21.

In another embodiment, the carrying elements and the mobile puzzle elements together define a secluded hollow compartment accessible only by manipulating the carrying elements and the mobile puzzle elements into a solution configuration that unlocks the puzzle as shown in FIG. 25. A solution configuration is a permutation of puzzle elements that places all of the keys and keyways in the correct arrangement to thus unlock the puzzle. As will be appreciated, the puzzle may have more than one solution configuration, depending on the arrangement of the keys and keyways.

In another embodiment, the puzzle further comprises superimposed slidable elements attached to at least one of the mobile puzzle elements. As will be appreciated, in certain odd-shaped shifting puzzles, it may be interesting or otherwise advantageous to incorporate slidable elements as described by Applicant in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/738,673, supra.

The puzzle may further comprise a center element to which the carrying elements are movably mounted. This center element may include, in one representative embodiment, an inner core element; inner holding means connected to the inner core element by inner retaining means; and sub-carrying elements adapted to engage both the carrying elements and the inner holding means to thereby enable motion of the carrying elements relative to the inner core element, as shown, for example, in FIG. 24.

It is to be understood that the same techniques for arranging the display of colours, emblems, logos or other visual indicia on the outer surfaces of the puzzles to modulate the difficulty level of the puzzles presented in the prior art are also applicable to any of the puzzles obtained through the application of the method disclosed herein. Complex descriptions of evoluted patterns are not included in the present disclosure for the sake of simplicity, but are well within the scope of the technology introduced here and can be easily derived from the principles already disclosed in the prior art and applied to the odd-shaped puzzles resulting from the present method. Different visual indicia patterns (e.g. colours, logos, emblems, symbols, etc.) can be used to modulate the difficulty level of the puzzles. In other words, different versions of a given puzzle can be provided for novice, intermediate or expert players, or even for kids.

It should be noted that advertising, corporate logos or team logos could also be placed onto the surfaces of the puzzles obtained by the application of the present method to create promotional vehicles or souvenirs.

Other solids of any kind could also be used as the solids to be converted into puzzle elements by using the present method, all without departing from the scope of the present invention. The dividing method could be applied to any polyhedron solids and spherical solids to achieve and create other interesting and challenging puzzles. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as being illustrative, not as restrictive.

It will be noted that exact dimensions are not provided in the present description since these puzzles can be constructed in a variety of sizes.

While the puzzle elements and parts are preferably manufactured from plastic, these puzzles can also be made of wood, metal, or a combination of the aforementioned materials. These elements and parts may be solid or hollow. The motions of the puzzle mechanisms can be enhanced by employing springs, bearings, semi-spherical surface knobs, grooves, indentations and recesses, as is well known in the art and are already well described in the prior art of shifting and sliding puzzles. Likewise, “stabilizing” parts can also be inserted in the mechanism to bias the moving elements to the “rest positions”, as is also well known in the art.

It is to be understood that the preferred embodiments described above are meant to illustrate the best mode of implementing various aspects of the invention. These embodiments, however, have not been presented with the intention of in any way limiting the scope of the present invention. The scope of the invention and of the exclusive right sought by the Applicant is defined solely by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of converting an odd-shaped solid into perfectly interfitting elements to create a shiftable three-dimensional puzzle, the method comprising steps of:

selecting from the odd-shaped solid a hollow mobile portion intended to be converted into mobile puzzle elements;

dividing the odd-shaped solid into two portions, the hollow mobile portion and a remaining portion;

associating an axis with the hollow mobile portion, the axis defining an axis of rotation around which the mobile puzzle elements may rotate;

longitudinally dividing the hollow mobile portion along the axis to thereby slice the hollow mobile portion into at least two hollow components;

radially dividing the at least two hollow components of the hollow mobile portion into at least two mobile puzzle elements;

incorporating holding means into the mobile puzzle elements to hold the mobile puzzle elements while enabling shifting of the mobile puzzle elements;

radially dividing the remaining portion into at least two carrying elements, the carrying elements defining support bodies adapted to support and carry the mobile elements while enabling motion of the mobile elements relative to the carrying elements;

incorporating further holding means into the carrying elements to hold the mobile puzzle elements while enabling rotation of the mobile puzzle elements about the axis of rotation;

incorporating a translating motion mechanism and/or a rotating motion mechanism into the carrying elements to enable the mobile puzzle elements to be interchanged between different groups of adjacent mobile puzzle elements; and

incorporating retaining means into the carrying elements to retain and interconnect the carrying elements to thereby enable translation and/or rotation of one carrying element relative to another carrying element.

2. The dividing method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the holding means comprise tongue and groove mechanisms enabling rotation of the mobile puzzle elements about the axis of rotation while holding the puzzle together.

3. The dividing method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the retaining means enable one or both:

a limited translational motion of one carrying element relative to another carrying element to enable shifting of some or all of the mobile puzzle elements; and

a rotational motion of one carrying element relative to another carrying element about an auxiliary axis.

4. The dividing method as claimed in claim 3 wherein said translating motion is limited by interconnection of the carrying elements.

5. The dividing method as claimed in claim 3 wherein said translating motion is limited by a mechanism comprising a retaining means connected to a center element.

6. The dividing method as claimed in claim 5 wherein said center element is a hollow cylindrical element with elongated slots.

7. The dividing method as claimed in claim 3 wherein said rotational motion is between two of said carrying elements and occurs around said auxiliary axis.

8. The dividing method as claimed in claim 3 wherein said rotational motion is between more than two carrying elements fixed by retaining means to a center element.

9. The dividing method as claimed in claim 8 wherein said center element comprises:

an inner core element;

inner holding means connected to the inner core element by inner retaining means; and

sub-carrying elements adapted to engage both the carrying elements and the inner holding means to thereby enable motion of the carrying elements relative to the inner core element.

10. The dividing method as claimed in claim 9 wherein said inner core is a sphere.

11. The dividing method as claimed in claim 9 wherein said inner core is a concentric polyhedron.

12. The dividing method as claimed in claim 9 wherein said inner core is an axial rod system.

13. The dividing method as claimed in claim 3 wherein said translating and rotating motions are between two said carrying elements and taking place respectively along said axis and around said auxiliary axis.

14. The dividing method as claimed in claim 3 wherein said translating and rotating motions are between more than two carrying elements fixed by retaining means to a center element.

15. The dividing method as claimed in claim 14 wherein said center element comprises:

an inner core element;

inner holding means connected to the inner core element by inner retaining means; and

sub-carrying elements adapted to engage both the carrying elements and the inner holding means to thereby enable motion of the carrying elements relative to the inner core element.

16. The dividing method as claimed in claim 15 wherein at least one of the sub-carrying elements comprises an elongated slot to enable limited translational motion of the sub-carrying element relative to the inner core.

17. The dividing method as claimed in claim 15 wherein said inner core is a sphere.

18. The dividing method as claimed in claim 15 wherein said inner core is a concentric polyhedron.

19. The dividing method as claimed in claim 15 wherein said inner core is an axial rod system.

20. The dividing method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a step of incorporating a secret compartment into the puzzle, said secret compartment defining a secluded hollow compartment that can be accessed by manipulating the puzzle elements into a solution configuration.

21. The dividing method as claimed in claim 20 wherein the step of incorporating the secret compartment comprises:

incorporating at least one carrying key element with at least one strip key;

incorporating at least one carrying keyway element with at least one strip keyway; and

incorporating at least one mobile keyway element with at least one strip keyway.

22. The dividing method as claimed in claim 21 wherein the height of the strip key and the heights of the strip keyways can be varied to modulate the puzzle difficulty.

23. The dividing method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a step of superimposing slidable elements onto one or more outer surfaces of said puzzle.

24. The dividing method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said odd-shaped solid is shaped as a milk carton.

25. The dividing method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said odd-shaped solid is shaped as a human head.

26. The dividing method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said odd-shaped solid is shaped as an American football.

27. An odd-shaped three-dimensional logical puzzle comprising:

a plurality of carrying elements connected together to enable limited translational motion of one carrying element relative to another carrying element; and

a plurality of mobile puzzle elements movably attached to one or more outer surfaces of the carrying elements, the carrying elements and the mobile puzzle elements together defining an odd shape, wherein the mobile puzzle elements are rotationally attached to the carrying elements to rotate in groups of mobile puzzle elements about the carrying elements, and wherein the mobile puzzle elements are shiftable between adjacent groups of mobile puzzle elements by translating one carrying element relative to another carrying element.

28. The puzzle as claimed in claim 27 wherein the carrying elements are also rotationally connected to enable rotational motion of one carrying element relative to another carrying element.

29. The puzzle as claimed in claim 27 wherein the carrying elements and the mobile puzzle elements together define a secluded hollow compartment accessible only by manipulating the carrying elements and the mobile puzzle elements into a solution configuration that unlocks the puzzle.

30. The puzzle as claimed in claim 28 wherein the carrying elements and the mobile puzzle elements together define a secluded hollow compartment accessible only by manipulating the carrying elements and the mobile puzzle elements into a solution configuration that unlocks the puzzle.

31. The puzzle as claimed in claim 27 further comprising superimposed slidable elements attached to at least one of the mobile puzzle elements.

32. The puzzle as claimed in claim 27 further comprising a center element to which the carrying elements are movably mounted.

33. The puzzle as claimed in claim 32 wherein the center element comprises:

an inner core element;

inner holding means connected to the inner core element by inner retaining means; and

sub-carrying elements adapted to engage both the carrying elements and the inner holding means to thereby enable motion of the carrying elements relative to the inner core element.

34. The puzzle as claimed in claim 28 further comprising superimposed slidable elements attached to at least one of the mobile puzzle elements.

35. The puzzle as claimed in claim 28 further comprising a center element to which the carrying elements are movably mounted.

36. The puzzle as claimed in claim 35 wherein the center element comprises:

an inner core element;

inner holding means connected to the inner core element by inner retaining means; and

sub-carrying elements adapted to engage both the carrying elements and the inner holding means to thereby enable motion of the carrying elements relative to the inner core element.