3D Locking Mechanism

Abstract

A three-dimensional puzzle and interlocking system having a set of interlocking elements capable of being joined together to form a piece of a puzzle game that constitutes a three-dimensional pictorial representation of a structure or object. In one embodiment, the set of interlocking elements comprises a first element that interlocks with another matching piece. The first and the second elements are provided with image-bearing surfaces that constitute individual pictorial entities contributing to a complete representation of the structure or object.

Description

This application emanates from a previously filed provisional application No. 61087309 filed on Aug. 8, 2008

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

It is a primary object of this invention to provide a three-dimensional interlocking system having a set of interlocking elements capable of being joined together to form a piece of a puzzle game that represents an image or character.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Multi-piece puzzles have been around preoccupying human beings for centuries. By far the most common is the picture puzzle containing dovetailed-type jointed members, such as those shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,086,067 and 5,860,650 interconnected into a 3-D castle. More often, dovetailed-type jointed picture puzzles are assembled atop a flat surface such as a coffee table. Quite different from the traditional picture puzzle is the instant invention. According to the invention, the releasable friction-interlock feature of juxtaposed beveled planes allows elements shaped into components (that yield, when arranged, an image) to be slid into a tiered 3-D structure of that image. Though at first glance, the images assembled using the elements of the invention appear to have visual similarities to those found in wooden mosaic-like intarsia plaques created using a scroll-saw to cut out shapes from wood which are permanently glued together in ornamental fashion, a closer look reveals that the unique elements of the invention assembled into the 3-D structures disclosed herein are dramatically different. Traditionally, intarsia pieces are cut from different types of wood of differing thicknesses selected according to its final thickness within the finished, glued-together plaque. Intarsia plaques are merely wooden 3-D mosaic-like inlays that are permanently glued for ornamental use. Another type of inlaid ornamental plaques is referred to as ‘marquetry’ created by slightly tilting a scrollsaw table to saw a taper between inlay pieces which are then press-fit together with adhesive there between to form permanent bonds between the pieces. The end product scrollsawn marquetry is an image permanently inlaid in mosaic-fashion planed flat on top. Plaques constructed into intarsia or as marquetry are not meant to be disassembled.

As one can see, unlike conventional puzzles and educational toys, the innovative elements adapted for arrangement into frictionally-interlocked 3-D structures of pre-selected images, as well as the associated technique of so arranging according to the invention, provide for continued assembly and disassembly of the elements in a visually appealing manner. In the spirit of design goals contemplated hereby, many different types of materials, fabrication/molding/machining techniques, and many different image patterns representing inanimate objects (vehicles, buildings, bikes, and so on), celestial bodies (planets, comets, stars, and the like), maps (street-city, country, state, world, topographic, etc.), mammals, plants, and their bio-components (skeletons, cell structure, etc.), and a whole host of miscellaneous graphic designs (including abstract designs), can be incorporated to create applicant's unique 3-D structures, as will be further appreciated.

Traditional foam toys may easily fall apart. The parts may not be very flexible, causing the components to separate when being played with by a child. Constantly having to try to rebuild toys can be time consuming and frustrating

My special 3D Locking Mechanism provides consumers with a simple and efficient way to build a foam, rubber, or other pliable material into a toy that can be enjoyed by children. This unique product actually allows children to play with a foam toy, unlike traditional foam playthings that are too rigid and easily fall apart if disturbed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The 3D Locking Mechanism is a pliable device with components that fit together to form many types of toys. The base component is strong and short, adding to the overall durability of the product. The interlocking pieces are made of a variety of different shapes, including diamonds and octagons,etc. The tip of each interlocking piece comes to a triangular point or rounded top, making the lock stronger at the bottom and more flexible at the top. The locking mechanism could be used in any shape such as an octagon, arrow, star or circle. the An example is a3D Puzzle that may be the shape of animals, vehicles, dinosaurs, structures, 3D art, etc. Other variations may also be available.

Parts could be interchangeable with other toys along a similar product line, such as an elephant's head on a dinosaur's body. This allows the child's imagination to allow many combinations. This item may be produced in a variety of different sizes and colors to accommodate user preferences. Toys could be more complex such as making sound effects or music when put together. Another pliable material besides foam could be used, such as rubber. This could be used in combination with plastics or other non-pliable materials to make other types of objects such as tools, play sets, and children's furniture. A version for toddlers that utilizes a lighter, less dense, and durable foam may be produced. This item's locking mechanism could be implemented into current toys on the market to make them into a 3D puzzle. Children of all ages may be able to utilize this product. There may be a different product line for varying ages. The technology used in this product may also be utilized to form a gummy candy The exact dimensions, materials used for construction and method of operation of the 3D Locking mechanism may vary upon manufacturing.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a new and improved 3D Locking Mechanism as a simple and strait forward locking device that can be used for just about anything in everyday life that can be taken apart and put back together.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a new and improved 3D puzzle which may be the shape of an animal, vehicles, dinosaurs, structures, 3D art, etc. Basically the ideas are limitless

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a new and improved 3D puzzle which could be more complex such as making noises or music when put together

Accordingly, it is a object of the invention to provide a new and improved 3D puzzle using another pliable material could be used such as rubber. This could be used in combination with plastics or other non pliable materials to make other types of objects such as tools, play sets, and children's furniture.

Accordingly, yet another object of the invention is to provide a new an improved 3D puzzle with a locking mechanism which could be used in any shape such as an octagon, arrow, star, circle . . . etc.

Accordingly, yet another object of the invention to provide a new and improved 3D puzzle which can be Implemented in to gummy candy

Accordingly, yet another object of the invention to provide a new and improved 3D puzzle whose parts could be interchangeable with other toys along similar product line, such as an Elephants head on a dinosaur's body. This allows the child's imagination to allow any combination.

Accordingly, yet another object of the invention to provide a new and improved 3D puzzle whose locking mechanism could be implemented into current toys on the market to make them into a 3D puzzle

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is the front/left side view of the device.

FIG. 2 is a cut away view of the front/left side.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1

1. Material being used for male part of the object (Rubber, Foam, etc.)

2. Triangular or Triangular(Rounded top) of locking flare.

3. Unique Shape of locking piece.

4. Inner female area of locking piece with guiding. Exact shape of outer male locking piece, just hollow.

5. Material being used for the female inner object (Rubber, Foam, etc.)

FIG. 2

1. Material used for the male outer object (Rubber, Foam, etc.)

2. Triangular or Triangular(Rounded top) locking piece.

4. Inner female area of locking piece with guiding s Exact shape of outer male locking piece, just hollow.

5. Material being used for inner object (Rubber, Foam, etc.)

6. Inner female Triangular or Triangular(Rounded top) locking piece. Opposite of outer male locking piece.

Claims

1. A three dimensional locking mechanism comprised of a multiple sided, elongated male shaft (3) with a locking flare (2) half way down the shaft and a concave female receiving section (4) of the same shape inverted with a locking recession to match the male flare (6).

2. A three dimensional locking mechanism of claim 1 wherein the mechanism can be used on any toy or shape.

3. A three dimensional locking mechanism of claim 1 wherein the material is pliable.

4. A three dimensional locking mechanism of claim 1 wherein the mechanism can be used to replace other attachment means.

5. A three dimensional locking mechanism of claim 1 wherein the device is constructed of resin based material.

6. A three dimensional locking mechanism of claim 1 wherein the female receiving section embodies an entrance wider than the shaft for easier connection.

7. A three dimensional locking mechanism of claim 1 wherein the locking flare embodies 2 sides angled to form a point in the middle.