MANIPULATIVE PUZZLE MAZE

Abstract

A manipulative puzzle maze is disclosed. The puzzle maze in which a player must pick a solving piece, for example, balls at the start location/s such as peripheral channels and deliver them through a combination of static and moving maze obstacles, such as various pathways and a plurality of gears, to one of several finishing points or home bases. The puzzle maze offers a fun way to develop memory, concentration and logic, can be played in any setting and has high replay value due to different modes of play. The puzzle maze comprises a cog wheel, a base provided with various underflow channels, a rim member, a maze structure, a plurality of gears, and a cover for enclosing the puzzle maze. The maze structure comprises a combination of static and moving maze obstacles such as a plurality of channels and/or passages and openings for forming a maze pattern.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to a puzzle maze. More specifically, the present invention relates to a manipulative puzzle maze in which a player must pick a solving piece, for example, balls at the start location/s such as peripheral channels and deliver them through a combination of static and moving maze obstacles, such as various pathways and gears, to one of several finishing points or home bases. The manipulative puzzle maze offers a fun way to develop memory, concentration and logic, can be played in any setting and has high replay value due to different modes of play.

B. Description of Related Art

Labyrinths and mazes wherein, the object is to trace an unobstructed pathway from a starting point to a finish point through a maze of obstructions and pathways are well known, popular forms of amusement. However, the problem with most of these maze games is that they comprise a fixed maze, which offers little challenge after the player first successfully clears the maze's pathway from start to finish points, i.e., the arrangement of the maze is static.

Few existing patent references attempted to address the problems cited in the background as prior art over the presently disclosed subject matter and are explained as follows.

A prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,441,260A discloses about an inner bar and a sleeve thereon, slidably and rotatably mounted on the bar. Maze grooves are formed in the bar and a follower ride in the grooves. The follower is a pin, or a ball, as desired, and in the case of the ball, it is captured, or free moving, in different forms. In one form the bar is made up of sections which can be pre-positioned selectively to form different overall patterns of grooves. In one form, the parts of the device are of different colors.

However, the cited prior art talks about an inner bar and a sleeve thereon, slidably and rotatably mounted on the bar. Maze grooves are formed in the bar and a follower ride in the grooves while the present invention is a manipulative maze in which the player must pick the rolling parts (ex. balls) at the “start” location/s and deliver them through a combination of static and moving maze obstacles, such as various pathways and gears, to one of several finishing points or home bases located on the toy.

Another prior art U.S. Pat. No. 8,011,662B2 discloses about three-dimensional maze puzzle and game wherein a hand-held opaque playing board has a different maze structure on each of two faces with holes passing through the board between the two maze structures. Each maze structure is divided approximately in half by an impassable barrier. Gravity moves the playing piece when the board is tilted. When the ball passes through the board from one maze structure to the other, the board must be turned over to view the other maze structure. The ball must travel from the start position at one end on one face through the maze structures back and forth through the board until the playing pieces lands in the finish position at the other end on the other face in the shortest time. The maze can also be played on a hand-held electronic device or on a stationary screen device, such as a computer, using a controller to simulate tilting and turning the board.

However, the cited prior art talks about three-dimensional maze puzzle and game wherein a hand-held opaque playing board has a different maze structure on each of two faces with holes passing through the board between the two maze structures. Each maze structure is divided approximately in half by an impassable barrier while the present invention is a manipulative maze in which the player must pick the rolling parts (ex. balls) at the starting location/s and deliver them through a combination of static and moving maze obstacles, such as various pathways and gears, to one of several finishing points or home bases located on the toy.

In light of the above-mentioned problems, it would be highly desirable to provide a manipulative maze in which the player must pick rolling parts, for example, balls at the “start” location/s such as peripheral channels and deliver them through a combination of static and moving maze obstacles, such as various pathways and gears, to one of several finishing points or home bases. It offers a fun way to develop memory, concentration and logic, can be played in any setting and has high replay value due to different modes of play.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally discloses a puzzle maze. More specifically, the present invention relates to a manipulative puzzle maze in which a player must pick a solving piece, for example, balls at the start location/s such as peripheral channels and deliver them through a combination of static and moving maze obstacles, such as various pathways and gears, to one of several finishing points or home bases.

In one embodiment, the puzzle maze could be used as a toy or game apparatus, puzzle-type amusement device, and educational device. In one embodiment, the puzzle maze in which a player must pick a solving piece, for example, balls at the start location/s such as peripheral channels and deliver them through a combination of static and moving maze obstacles, such as various pathways and gears, to one of several finishing points or home bases. The puzzle maze offers a fun way to develop memory, concentration and logic, can be played in any setting and has high replay value due to different modes of play.

In one embodiment, the puzzle maze comprises a cog wheel, a base provided with various underflow channels, a rim member, a maze structure, a plurality of gears, and a cover for enclosing the puzzle maze. In one embodiment, the cog wheel is securely positioned on the base. The cog wheel is configured to enable a player to manipulate or operate the puzzle maze for solving the puzzle. In one embodiment, the rim member having a gear rack on its inner circumference, wherein the rim member is configured to rotatably connect to the cog wheel and securely locate within the base. In one embodiment, the maze structure having a radial dimension slightly less than the diameter of the rim member, configured to securely dispose on the base. In one embodiment, the maze structure comprises a combination of static and moving maze obstacles such as a plurality of channels and/or passages, openings, and the plurality of gears for forming a maze pattern.

In one embodiment, the plurality of gears is rotatably disposed within the openings provided on the maze structure. The plurality of gears is configured to rotatably engage with the gear rack, thereby enabling the player to rotate and align the plurality of gears by manipulating the cog wheel to pass at least one solving piece, for example, balls from starting locations to the maze structure and to finishing points or home bases via the plurality of channels and/or passages for solving the puzzle maze. In one embodiment, the cover is positioned over the base to enclosure the puzzle maze.

In one embodiment, the player must select the solving piece, for example, balls, cubes, and beads at the starting points/locations or any specified location/s on the puzzle maze. For solving the puzzle, the player passes or delivers the solving piece, for example, a ball, to one of several finishing points or home bases through a combination of static and moving maze obstacles, such as various pathways, the gears, and wheels. In one embodiment, the solving pieces, for example, balls may be the same or multiple colors and also have additional graphic elements for example, letters or signs, designs on sides. In one embodiment, the solving pieces may comprise different sizes.

In one embodiment, the player is suggested or intimated by an application or a card drawn from a deck to which home base the solving piece, for example, a ball must be delivered. These challenges may be time based for example, deliver the ball to home base 2 in 30 seconds. This puzzle maze can be played individually or in groups (for example, players take turns to deliver one ball at a time). When all challenges are completed, players return the balls to starting points using grooves in the cover.

In order to solve the puzzle or game, the player needs to rotate the cog wheel or actuator gears upon which the maze structure is built and/or which activates all internal gears. The player takes the solving piece, for example, a ball from the starting location and passes it to the maze area. The internal gears need to align in different way to pass the solving piece. To manipulate the solving piece in non-moving parts of the puzzle maze (pathways), the player needs to rotate the cog wheel or manipulate the entire the puzzle maze. At the end of the game all the solving pieces may be returned to the starting locations using grooves on the cover or any other means to return the solving pieces to location/s defined as a game “start”.

Depending on the game rules and specific design, the solving pieces or rolling elements, for example, balls may not need to be returned at all and will stay in the final destination/s. In one embodiment, the gears are connected to the gear rack of the rim member and operated by players who rotate one or several of the gears or use any other means to manipulate the gear set/s. In one embodiment, the puzzle maze further comprises pendulums, which are gravity operated. To move them, players need to manipulate the entire puzzle maze. In one embodiment, the puzzle maze may also comprise manual or gravity-operated rockers, sliders, and switches that have one or several positions to send the solving pieces, for example, balls in one of the pathways. In one embodiment, all moving parts are securely mounted on the base, casing or on each other, and can be flat or have any other shape. In one embodiment, all moving part groups are connected to each other or to non-moving maze pathways also located on the base or within the puzzle maze's casing. In one embodiment, the solving pieces, for example, balls and beads or cubes could be moved by manipulating the gear sets, pendulums or the entire the puzzle maze. In one embodiment, the solving pieces could either roll over the moving parts, for example, gears that have pathways atop them or roll through the non-moving pathways that are open/close by the moving parts.

In one embodiment, the puzzle maze is configured to enable one or more players to solve the puzzle or play in different game play modes such as an individual game play mode, a group play mode, and individual/group play or challenge-based play mode. In individual game play mode, player delivers one or more selected solving pieces, for example, balls to specific locations such as all home bases in a sequence. In group play mode, each player takes turns to deliver the solving pieces, for example, balls to specific locations or homes bases. For example, player 1 delivers the ball to the home base 1 and player 2 delivers the ball to the home base 2, and again player 1 delivers the ball to the home base 3, etc. Each delivery is timed and the solving pieces, for example, balls may be lost in a trap and not delivered. The player who needed the least time to deliver the highest number of balls to home bases wins the puzzle. In individual/group play or challenge-based play mode, players receive randomized challenges by drawing cards with assignments or using an assignment-generating application. For example, a player delivers the ball to a specific location such as home base 2 in 30 sec. The player who completes most challenges successfully and/or faster than the opponents win the puzzle. In all game play modes, depending on the specific game objectives and rolling part features, the winning condition/s may require building multicolor mosaics, patterns or constructing numerical or textual expressions (for example, using cubes to build a word from letters on cubes' sides).

In one embodiment, the maze structure comprises a combination of static and moving maze obstacles for forming the maze pattern. In another embodiment, the combination of static and moving maze obstacles includes a plurality of channels and/or passages, openings, actuator gears, and the plurality of gear sets.

In another embodiment, the player needs to manipulate the actuator gears to activate gear sets and deliver the solving pieces, for example, balls through static and moving pathways of the puzzle maze, respectively to finish locations such as home bases. Depending on the game play, the solving pieces, for example, balls may be of the same or multiple colors and may need to be delivered to specific finish locations. When the game is over, players may be required to return the solving pieces, for example, balls to a specific location that may be a starting point for starting a new game round. The return of solving pieces may be implemented using special return channels or grooves located on the puzzle maze's cover. To do this, player must turn the puzzle maze upside down to drive the solving pieces, for example, balls into the channels and tilt the puzzle maze to roll these solving pieces into the specified location.

In one embodiment, the plurality of gears having internal channels or grooves large enough to freely pass the solving piece to the maze structure during manipulation of the manipulative puzzle maze. In one embodiment, the cog wheel has a radial dimension slightly greater than the diameter of the rim member. In one embodiment, the cover is a transparent cover. In one embodiment, the cover further comprises at least two grooves or channels for enabling the player to return the solving piece to the starting locations after solved the puzzle. In one embodiment, the puzzle maze is configured to enable the player to return the solving pieces to the starting points via the underflow channels provided on the base. In one embodiment, the puzzle maze is configured to enable the player to return the solving pieces to the starting points by tilting the manipulative puzzle maze. In one embodiment, the solving piece is at least any one or a combination of balls and beads or cubes, wherein the solving piece is made of different colors and comprises one or more signs or letters on any side portion.

In one embodiment, the puzzle maze is further configured to enable the player to activate the solving piece by manipulating the cog wheel to which at least one gear is connected using the gear track or a mechanical interaction. In one embodiment, the plurality of gears are further configured to operate by gravity using pendulums and sliders, which enables passage of gears from a peripheral channel by means of mechanical interaction of the rim member and at least one gear via the gear track teeth or other forms of mechanical interaction that permits alignment of a cupping or any other specific opening of the gear with an entry/exit point of the rim member through which the solving pieces can be moved to the cupping. In one embodiment, the plurality of gears is rotatably disposed within the openings to form at least one or more gear sets on the maze structure. In one embodiment, the puzzle maze is further configured to prevent the solving pieces from falling out of the static and moving maze obstacles and from randomly changing the static and moving maze obstacles.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates a manipulative puzzle maze, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates a maze structure of the manipulative puzzle maze, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 exemplarily illustrates the manipulative puzzle maze, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 exemplarily illustrates the manipulative puzzle maze, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5-6 exemplarily illustrate a cover of the manipulative puzzle maze, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7-8 exemplarily illustrate a rim member of the manipulative puzzle maze, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9-10 exemplarily illustrate a maze structure of the manipulative puzzle maze, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 11-12 exemplarily illustrate a base of the manipulative puzzle maze, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 exemplarily illustrates a plurality of gears of the manipulative puzzle maze, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 exemplarily illustrates an assembly view of the manipulative puzzle maze, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

A description of embodiments of the present invention will now be given with reference to the Figures. It is expected that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.

Referring to FIG. 1, a manipulative puzzle maze 100 in one embodiment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the puzzle maze 100 could be used as a toy or game apparatus, puzzle-type amusement device, and educational device. In one embodiment, the puzzle maze 100 in which a player must pick a solving piece 122, for example, balls at the start location/s 104 such as peripheral channels and deliver them through a combination of static and moving maze obstacles, such as various pathways 112 and gears (105, 106, 108, and 110), to one of several finishing points or home bases 116. The puzzle maze 100 offers a fun way to develop memory, concentration and logic, can be played in any setting and has high replay value due to different modes of play.

In one embodiment, the puzzle maze 100 comprises a cog wheel 101, a base 102 provided with various underflow channels, a rim member 103, a maze structure 107, a plurality of gears (105, 106, 108, and 110), and a cover 118 for enclosing the puzzle maze 100. In one embodiment, the cog wheel 101 is securely positioned on the base 102. The cog wheel 101 is configured to enable a player to manipulate or operate the puzzle maze 100 for solving the puzzle. In one embodiment, the rim member 103 having a gear rack 109 on its inner circumference, wherein the rim member 103 is configured to rotatably connect to the cog wheel 101 and securely locate within the base 102. In one embodiment, the maze structure 107 having a radial dimension slightly less than the diameter of the rim member 103, configured to securely dispose on the base 102. In one embodiment, the maze structure 107 comprises a combination of static and moving maze obstacles such as a plurality of channels and/or passages 112, openings, and the plurality of gears (105, 106, 108, and 110) for forming a maze pattern.

In one embodiment, the plurality of gears (105, 106, 108, and 110) is rotatably disposed within the openings provided on the maze structure 107. The plurality of gears (105, 106, 108, and 110) is configured to rotatably engage with the gear rack 109, thereby enabling the player to rotate and align the plurality of gears (105, 106, 108, and 110) by manipulating the cog wheel 101 to pass at least one solving piece 122, for example, balls from starting locations 104 to the maze structure 107 and to finishing points or home bases 116 via the plurality of channels and/or passages 112 for solving the puzzle maze. In one embodiment, the cover 118 is positioned over the base 102 to enclosure the puzzle maze 100.

In one embodiment, the player must select the solving piece 122, for example, balls, cubes, and beads at the starting points/locations 104 or any specified location/s on the puzzle maze 100. For solving the puzzle, the player passes or delivers the solving piece 122, for example, a ball, to one of several finishing points or home bases 116 through a combination of static and moving maze obstacles, such as various pathways 112, the gears (105, 106, 108, and 110), and wheels 114. In one embodiment, the solving pieces 122, for example, balls may be the same or multiple colors and also have additional graphic elements for example, letters or signs, designs on sides. In one embodiment, the solving pieces 122 may comprise different sizes.

In one embodiment, the player is suggested or intimated by an application or a card drawn from a deck to which home base 116 the solving piece 122, for example, a ball must be delivered. These challenges may be time based for example, deliver the ball to home base 2 in 30 seconds. This puzzle maze 100 can be played individually or in groups (for example, players take turns to deliver one ball at a time). When all challenges are completed, players return the balls to starting points 104 using grooves 120 in the cover 118.

In order to solve the puzzle or game, the player needs to rotate the cog wheel 101 or actuator gears (106, 108, and 110) upon which the maze structure 107 is built and/or which activates all internal gears. The player takes the solving piece 122, for example, a ball from the starting location 104 and passes it to the maze area. The internal gears need to align in different way to pass the solving piece 122. To manipulate the solving piece 122 in non-moving parts of the puzzle maze 100 (pathways), the player needs to rotate the cog wheel 101 or manipulate the entire the puzzle maze 100. At the end of the game all the solving pieces 122 may be returned to the starting locations 104 using grooves 120 on the cover 118 or any other means to return the solving pieces 122 to location/s defined as a game “start”.

Depending on the game rules and specific design, the solving pieces or rolling elements 122, for example, balls may not need to be returned at all and will stay in the final destination/s 116. In one embodiment, the gears (105, 106, 108, and 110) are connected to the gear rack 109 of the rim member 103 and operated by players who rotate one or several of the gears or use any other means to manipulate the gear set/s. In one embodiment, the gears (105, 106, 108, and 110) are connected to each other using either whole number or fractional gear ratio. This gear ratio determines how the gears' cuppings and pathways align/not align to pass the ball between them. In one embodiment, the puzzle maze 100 further comprises pendulums, which are gravity operated. To move them, players need to manipulate the entire puzzle maze 100. In one embodiment, the puzzle maze 100 may also comprises manual or gravity-operated rockers, sliders, and switches that have one or several positions to send the solving pieces 122, for example, balls in one of the pathways 112. In one embodiment, all moving parts are securely mounted on the base 102, casing or on each other, and can be flat or have any other shape. In one embodiment, all moving part groups are connected to each other or to non-moving maze pathways 112 also located on the base 102 or within the puzzle maze's casing. In one embodiment, the solving pieces 122, for example, balls and beads or cubes could be moved by manipulating the gear sets, pendulums or the entire the puzzle maze 100. In one embodiment, the solving pieces 122 could either roll over the moving parts, for example, gears (105, 106, 108, and 110) that have pathways atop them or roll through the non-moving pathways 112 that are open/close by the moving parts. In one embodiment, the entire maze area (big cog) is rotating, not just the gears on it. This rotation activates and controls the gears, and enables players to advance the ball in the maze.

In one embodiment, the puzzle maze 100 is configured to enable one or more players to solve the puzzle or play in different game play modes such as an individual game play mode, a group play mode, and individual/group play or challenge-based play mode. In individual game play mode, player delivers one or more selected solving pieces, for example, balls to specific locations such as all home bases in a sequence. In group play mode, each player takes turns to deliver the solving pieces, for example, balls to specific locations or homes bases. For example, player 1 delivers the ball to the home base 1 and player 2 delivers the ball to the home base 2, and again player 1 delivers the ball to the home base 3, etc. Each delivery is timed and the solving pieces, for example, balls may be lost in a trap and not delivered. The player who needed the least time to deliver the highest number of balls to home bases wins the puzzle. In individual/group play or challenge-based play mode, players receive randomized challenges by drawing cards with assignments or using an assignment-generating application. For example, a player delivers the ball to a specific location such as home base 2 in 30 sec. The player who completes most challenges successfully and/or faster than the opponents win the puzzle. In all game play modes, depending on the specific game objectives and rolling part features, the winning condition/s may require building multicolor mosaics, patterns or constructing numerical or textual expressions (for example, using cubes to build a word from letters on cubes' sides).

Referring to FIG. 2, the maze structure 107 of the puzzle maze 100 according to another embodiment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the maze structure 107 comprises a combination of static and moving maze obstacles for forming the maze pattern. In another embodiment, the combination of static and moving maze obstacles includes a plurality of channels and/or passages 112, openings, actuator gears 136, and the plurality of gear sets (124, 126, 128, 130 132, and 134).

In another embodiment, the player needs to manipulate the actuator gears 136 to activate gear sets (124, 126, 128, 130 132, and 134) and deliver the solving pieces 122, for example, balls through static and moving pathways (112 and 138) of the puzzle maze 100, respectively to finish locations such as home bases 116. Depending on the game play, the solving pieces 122, for example, balls may be of the same or multiple colors and may need to be delivered to specific finish locations 116. When the game is over, players may be required to return the solving pieces 122, for example, balls to a specific location that may be a starting point 104 (shown in FIG. 2) for starting a new game round. The return of solving pieces 122 may be implemented using special return channels or grooves 120 (shown in FIG. 2) located on the puzzle maze's cover 118 (shown in FIG. 2). To do this, player must turn the puzzle maze 100 upside down to drive the solving pieces 122, for example, balls into the channels and tilt the puzzle maze 100 to roll these solving pieces 122 into the specified location.

Referring to FIG. 3, a manipulative puzzle maze 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. In another embodiment, the puzzle maze 300 comprises a peripheral channel 302, a gear rim fixture 304 upon which all maze structures are built and which activates all internal gears (308, 310, 312, and 314). By manipulating the gear rim fixture 304, player takes the ball/s 122 from the peripheral channel 302 and passes the ball/s to the maze structure 306. In one embodiment, the internal gears (308, 310, 312, and 314) required to align in different ways to pass the ball 122. In one embodiment, the player needs to rotate the gear rim fixture 304 or manipulate the entire puzzle maze 300 to pass the ball 122 in non-moving parts or pathways 316 of the puzzle maze 300. In one embodiment, the final destinations are holes, which are located in the maze structure 306. Player must fill these holes with the balls 122 of different colors to build the mosaic. In one embodiment, mosaic specifications such as colors and locations for each of the colored balls 122 are presented on the cards that come with the puzzle maze 300 or generated by a software application. At the end of the game, all balls 122 are returned to the peripheral channel 302 using grooves 318, which are located on the puzzle maze's cover or any other means to return the balls 122 to location/s defined as a game start.

Referring to FIG. 4, the manipulative puzzle maze 400 according to another embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. In another embodiment, the puzzle maze 400 comprises a peripheral channel 402, a gear fixture 404, a maze structure 406, and a plurality of gear sets (406, 408, and 410). In another embodiment, the player needs to rotate the gear fixture 404 upon which all maze structures are built and which activates all internal gear sets (406, 408, and 410). By manipulating the gear fixture 404, the player takes the ball/s from the peripheral channels 402 and passes the ball/s to the maze structure 412. In one embodiment, the internal gears (406, 408, and 410) need to align in different way to pass the ball. To manipulate the ball in non-moving parts or pathways 414 of the puzzle maze 400, player needs to rotate the gear fixture 404 or manipulate the entire puzzle maze 400. The final destinations are holes or depressions located in the maze structure 412. At the end of the game, all balls are returned to the peripheral channel 402 using the underflow channels 416 located on the puzzle maze's back or any other means to return the balls to location/s defined as a game start. In another embodiment, the puzzle maze 400 further comprises a base 418 provided with various underflow channels 416, a rim member 420, and a cover 422.

Referring to FIGS. 5-6, the cover 422 of the puzzle maze 400 according to another embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. In one embodiment, the cover 422 is configured to position over the base 418 (shown in FIG. 4) to enclosure the puzzle maze 400. In one embodiment, the cover 422 could be, but not limited to, a transparent cover.

Referring to FIGS. 7-8, the rim member 420 of the puzzle maze 400 according to another embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. In one embodiment, the rim member 420 comprises a gear rack 424 on its inner circumference. In one embodiment, the rim member 420 is configured to rotatably connect to the maze structure 412 (shown in FIG. 4) via a plurality of gear sets (406, 408, and 410) (shown in FIG. 4) and securely locate within the base 418. In one embodiment, the rim member 420 further comprises a pair of supports or protrusions (426 and 428).

Referring to FIGS. 9-10, the maze structure 412 of the puzzle maze 400 according to another embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. In one embodiment, the maze structure 412 has a radial dimension slightly less than the diameter of the rim member 420 (shown in FIG. 7). In one embodiment, the maze structure 412 is configured to securely dispose on the base 418 (shown in FIG. 4). In one embodiment, the maze structure 412 comprises a combination of static and moving maze obstacles such as, but not limited to, a plurality of channels and/or passages 414, openings (430, 432, and 434) for receiving the gear sets (406, 408, and 410), respectively, thereby forming a maze pattern. In one embodiment, the maze structure 412 further comprises a plurality of holes 436 for receiving the balls.

Referring to FIGS. 11-12, a base 418 of the puzzle maze 400 according to another embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. In one embodiment, the base 418 comprises at least two underflow grooves or channels 416 for enabling the player to return the solving pieces, for example, balls to the peripheral channel 402 after solved the puzzle by the player.

Referring to FIG. 13, a plurality of gears (438, 440, 442, and 444) of the puzzle maze 400 according to another embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. In one embodiment, the gears (438, 440, 442, and 444) are arranged and connected to form gear sets (406, 408, and 410). The plurality of gears (438, 440, 442, and 444) are rotatably disposed within the openings (430, 432, and 434) provided on the maze structure 412. In one embodiment, the gears (438, 440, 442, and 444) are configured to rotatably engage with the gear rack 424 (shown in FIG. 8), thereby enabling the player to rotate and align the plurality of gears (438, 440, 442, and 444) by manipulating and pass at least one solving piece from starting points/locations to the maze structure 412 and to finishing points or home bases or holes 436 (shown in FIG. 10) via the plurality of channels and/or passages 414 for solving the puzzle maze. Referring to FIG. 14, the assembly view of the puzzle maze 400 according to another embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

Advantages of the present invention include playing with this manipulative puzzle maze 100 introduces children to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) including basic mechanics and math since players need to understand gear sets, ratios and other scientific concepts such as acceleration and gravity to solve challenges. The design of the moving parts such as gears clearly illustrates how different gear sets work because all moving parts are exposed and their interaction during the game play is clearly seen. Players have full control over the gears by rotating the gear fixture. This enables them to observe how different gears function and interact with each other, and position these parts with precision necessary to complete the game play objectives. By using specific rolling parts such as cubes with letters or numbers on sides, players practice basic literacy and numeracy through the game play. The manipulative puzzle maze 100 is portable, safe (no open small parts), and compact. It offers a fun way to develop memory, concentration and logic, can be played in any setting and has high replay value due to different modes of play. The manipulative puzzle maze 100 is a great fun for the entire family and is interesting to play for both children and adults.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. It should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.

The foregoing description comprises illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings in the foregoing descriptions. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used only in generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein.

Claims

1. A manipulative puzzle maze, comprising:

a base provided with various underflow channels;

a cog wheel securely positioned on the base, wherein the cog wheel is configured to enable a player to manipulate or operate the manipulative puzzle maze;

a rim member having a gear rack on its inner circumference, wherein the rim member is configured to rotatably connect to the cog wheel and securely locate within the base;

a maze structure having a radial dimension slightly less than the diameter of the rim member, configured to securely dispose on the base, wherein the maze structure comprising a combination of static and moving maze obstacles for forming a maze pattern;

a plurality of gears rotatably disposed within the openings provided on the maze structure, wherein the plurality of gears is configured to rotatably engage with the gear rack, thereby enabling the player to rotate and align the plurality of gears by manipulating the cog wheel to pass at least one solving piece from starting points/locations to the maze structure and to finishing points or home bases via the combination of static and moving maze obstacles for solving the puzzle maze, and

a cover positioned over the base to enclosure the manipulative puzzle maze.

2. The manipulative puzzle maze of claim 1, wherein the plurality of gears having internal channels or grooves large enough to freely pass the solving piece to the maze structure during manipulation of the manipulative puzzle maze.

3. The manipulative puzzle maze of claim 1, wherein the cog wheel has a radial dimension slightly greater than the diameter of the rim member.

4. The manipulative puzzle maze of claim 1, wherein the cover is a transparent cover.

5. The manipulative puzzle maze of claim 1, wherein the cover further comprises at least two grooves or channels for enabling the player to return the solving piece to the starting locations after solved the puzzle.

6. The manipulative puzzle maze of claim 1, is configured to enable the player to return the solving pieces to the starting points via the underflow channels provided on the base.

7. The manipulative puzzle maze of claim 1, is configured to enable the player to return the solving pieces to the starting points by tilting the manipulative puzzle maze.

8. The manipulative puzzle maze of claim 1, wherein the combination of static and moving maze obstacles includes a plurality of channels and/or passages, openings, and the plurality of gears.

9. The manipulative puzzle maze of claim 1, wherein the solving piece is at least any one or a combination of balls and beads or cubes, wherein the solving piece is made of different colors and comprises one or more signs or letters on any side portion.

10. The manipulative puzzle maze of claim 1, is further configured to enable the player to activate the solving piece by manipulating the cog wheel to which at least one gear is connected using the gear track or a mechanical interaction.

11. The manipulative puzzle maze of claim 1, wherein the plurality of gears are further configured to operate by gravity using pendulums and sliders, which enables passage of gears from a peripheral channel by means of mechanical interaction of the rim member and at least one gear via the gear track teeth or other forms of mechanical interaction that permits alignment of a cupping or any other specific opening of the gear with an entry/exit point of the rim member through which the solving pieces can be moved to the cupping.

12. The manipulative puzzle maze of claim 1, is further configured to prevent the solving pieces from falling out of the static and moving maze obstacles and from randomly changing the static and moving maze obstacles.

13. The manipulative puzzle maze of claim 1, wherein the plurality of gears is rotatably disposed within the openings to form at least one or more gear sets on the maze structure.

14. A manipulative puzzle maze, comprising:

a base provided with various underflow channels;

a cog wheel securely positioned on the base, wherein the cog wheel is configured to enable a player to manipulate or operate the manipulative puzzle maze, wherein the cog wheel has a radial dimension slightly less than the diameter of the base;

a rim member having a gear rack on its inner circumference, wherein the rim member is configured to rotatably connect to the cog wheel and securely locate within the base;

a maze structure having a radial dimension slightly less than the diameter of the rim member, configured to securely dispose on the base, wherein the maze structure comprising a combination of static and moving maze obstacles for forming a maze pattern;

a plurality of gears rotatably disposed within the openings to form at least one or more gear sets on the maze structure, wherein the gear sets are configured to rotatably engage with the gear rack, thereby enabling the player to rotate and align the gears by manipulating the cog wheel to pass at least one ball from starting points/locations to the maze structure and to finishing points or home bases via the combination of static and moving maze obstacles for solving the puzzle maze,

wherein the combination of static and moving maze obstacles includes a plurality of channels and/or passages, openings, and the plurality of gears, and

a transparent cover positioned over the base to enclosure the manipulative puzzle maze, wherein the transparent cover further comprises at least two grooves or channels for enabling the player to return the solving piece to the starting locations after solved the puzzle.

15. The manipulative puzzle maze of claim 14, wherein the plurality of gears having internal channels or grooves large enough to freely pass the solving piece to the maze structure during manipulation of the manipulative puzzle maze.

16. The manipulative puzzle maze of claim 14, is configured to enable the player to return the solving pieces to the starting points via the underflow channels provided on the base.

17. The manipulative puzzle maze of claim 14, is further configured to enable the player to return the solving pieces to the starting points by tilting the manipulative puzzle maze.

18. The manipulative puzzle maze of claim 14, is further configured to enable the player to activate the solving piece by manipulating the cog wheel to which at least one gear is connected using the gear track or a mechanical interaction.

19. The manipulative puzzle maze of claim 14, wherein the plurality of gears are further configured to operate by gravity using pendulums and sliders, which enables passage of gears from a peripheral channel by means of mechanical interaction of the rim member and at least one gear via the gear track teeth or other forms of mechanical interaction that permits alignment of a cupping or any other specific opening of the gear with an entry/exit point of the rim member through which the solving pieces can be moved to the cupping.

20. The manipulative puzzle maze of claim 14, is further configured to prevent the balls from falling out of the static and moving maze obstacles and from randomly changing the static and moving maze obstacles.