Take-aparts And Put-togethers Patents (Class 273/156)
  • Patent number: 11697074
    Abstract: A model toy with stackable elements. The stackable elements are unitary layers which are attached to one another behind a front plate. The front plate has guide tabs to be threaded through openings in each of the unitary layers. The end of each guide tab is affixed to the last of the unitary layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: The Marketing Store Worldwide, LP
    Inventors: Peter Grinsell, Ming Tang, Mitzi De Castro, Evangelos Gicas
  • Patent number: 11663926
    Abstract: A method of operating a food categorization engine includes extracting features from each text description of a training food data set to generate a feature set. The feature set is analyzed to determine sets of food categorization features that correlate to one or more food categories, wherein the sets of food categorization features are defined by a plurality of category vectors. Individual words and/or characters of a text description of a food item received from a user are then analyzed in order to generate a numerical vector representative thereof. The numerical vector is multiplied by a matrix defined by the plurality of category vectors. One or more food categories with which to associate the received food item are automatically selected based at least in part on the multiplication, and the data record associated with the food item is amended to include the selected food categories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: MyFitnessPal, Inc.
    Inventors: Joohyun Kim, Chul Lee, Bryan Levine
  • Patent number: 11554324
    Abstract: Computer game metadata is used to select a video template for delivery to a user to populate the template with a video of the player or the game. Each template can be associated with its own unique text, audio, overlays, and the like, in other words, its own style, which depends on the metadata collected during the course of game play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC
    Inventor: Mohammed Khan
  • Patent number: 11514626
    Abstract: An artificial intelligence and machine learning system and method for image generation. The method comprising receiving a word comprising language characters, processing each of the characters in the word into visual elements, generating an image using the visual elements of the characters. The AI system may receive a name of a person such as ‘Amy’ and may process the name into visual elements that when positioned and oriented relative to each other, form a face. The letter ‘a’ may be used as the outline of the face, the letter ‘m’ positioned within the ‘a’ may be used to depict closed eyes and the letter ‘y’ positioned within the ‘a’ and below the ‘m’ may be used to depict a nose and mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Inventors: Susanna Valentina Mascarenhas, Calum Dale Joe Mascarenhas, Marika Joan Mascarenhas, Nishant Mathur
  • Patent number: 11263851
    Abstract: Some aspects of the present invention relate to a system for providing a plurality of RFID detectors or readers in zones of an exhibition facility and a wearable RFID tag. Some aspects relate to RFID tags including regular identification data and VIP status. Some aspects relate to RFID readers detecting the presence of an RFID tag in their proximity and triggering an event based on that detection. Some aspects relate to headwear illumination and the synchronized illumination of a plurality of illuminated headwear devices over a network connection. Some aspects relate to electronically-enhanced headwear comprising a microprocessor unit and connected electronic attachments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventor: Michael K. Proctor
  • Patent number: 11193267
    Abstract: Tensegrity structures and methods of constructing tensegrity structures of three-dimensional tensegrity lattices formed from truncated octahedron elementary cells. Space-tiling translational symmetry is achieved by performing recursive reflection operations on the elementary cells. This topology exhibiting unprecedented static and dynamic mechanical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventor: Julian Jose Rimoli
  • Patent number: 10946299
    Abstract: An illuminated spinner having a handle, a motor within the handle controlled by a switch on the handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a spinning object on which a lighting element is mounted, is provided with a decorative shell that encloses the object and is mounted on the handle, and that is constructed of at least three translucent pieces, as least two of which have different color transmitting or abo properties. The at least one light source is visible through the shell over an angle of 360® when the object is spinning and the light source is illuminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Inventor: Lorraine Melody Hsu
  • Patent number: 10576361
    Abstract: A deck of playing cards and a method of playing a game are provided. An object of the game is to form two lines on a grid, wherein a line is defined by a horizontal or vertical line of four in a row of the same player's cards. A further object of the game may be to form two strings on a grid, where a string is defined as a horizontal or vertical line made up of the same player's cards, the cards of each string containing four different elements, with a different element appearing on each card of the string. The game may be played with physical cards or in a virtual environment executed by a video game application on a computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Inventor: Scott Russell Norman Gilbert Snow
  • Patent number: 10555429
    Abstract: A kit that includes multiple rectilinear elongate polygonal elements having five unique shapes, four of which are concave polygonal elements. In some examples, when arranged with respect to one another, the elements of the kit form a girih strapwork pattern. In one aspect, respective elements in a kit may include bezels or boarders along longer sides to enhance an over/under weaving effect of the girih strapwork pattern. In other aspects, one or more elements may be formed as a tray, and some of the trays may include various components or materials disposed in the tray (e.g., architectural surface materials, biological systems, various electronic components) to provide for a variety of creative designs and structural/sculptural installations for built environments. In some implementations, one or more such trays may have beveled rims so as to appear light and thin when viewed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Inventor: John Frattalone
  • Patent number: 9873061
    Abstract: A block toy kit is composed of a plurality of magnetic construction units magnetically connectable to each other, wherein at least one of the units comprises a hollow block main body having at least one flat surface portion with at least one magnet holds corresponding to the plural flat surface portion, arranged on inner sides of the respective flat surface portions and having magnet holding portions extending in parallel with said corresponding flat surface portions Permanent magnets are accommodated within the magnet holding portions of said magnet holders for rotation about an imaginary “X-axis” extending at parallel relative to the flat surface portion corresponding to the magnet holding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Popular Playthings
    Inventor: Jason Cheung
  • Patent number: 9873036
    Abstract: A modular polyhedral object having at least four external faces which each have in the assembled state a different form and/or color design, is formed from several individual building blocks that each forms a part of the form or color design of each external face. The building blocks are joined together loosely or with releasable connecting means, wherein the building blocks of each module have at least four differently designed side faces. A form-congruent assembly of the object is created by arranging the individual building blocks so as to produce matching external faces on each side of the object, as well as to produce matching respective opposing side faces of the building blocks inside the object with vertically and horizontally matching coded pairs. A modular polyhedral cube-shaped object with at least five differently designed side faces is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: CVASSO GMBH
    Inventor: Fritz Gruber
  • Patent number: 9619941
    Abstract: According to one of aspects, a display device includes: a display unit; a control unit; and a detection unit. The display unit stereoscopically displays a plurality of three-dimensional blocks each including one or more elements each occupying one of divided sections in a virtual play region divided in a three-dimensional matrix manner in a display space. The detection unit detects a position of a body in the display space. The control unit controls the display unit to cause a movable three-dimensional block to appear. When change of the body with time in the display space is detected by the detection unit, the control unit controls the display unit to move the movable three-dimensional block. When all sections of one layer in the play region are filled with elements of the plurality of three-dimensional and the movable three-dimensional block, the control unit controls the display unit to erase the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Ueno, Shigeki Tanabe
  • Patent number: 9458867
    Abstract: A modular connection system has a plurality of modular units, each having a plurality of loop and edge sections alternating around the perimeter of a body section. The loop sections align with the edge sections so that a loop section of one unit is adjacent to a loop section of another unit. A connection interface is located at a vertex of the modular units and a loop of first one of the plurality of modular units is adapted to align parallel to an edge section of a next modular unit and a loop of each next unit is adapted to align parallel to an edge section of the preceding unit. Elongated connectors pass through the loop sections of the modular units to connect the modular units at the connection interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Martha Maunder
  • Patent number: 9303401
    Abstract: A partition system includes a plurality of wall elements merging one into another, wherein at least one wall element is designed as a stepped element, and wherein at least one wall element is designed as a corner element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Herman Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Claudia Plikat, Johann Burkhard Schmitz, Carola Eva Marianne Zwick, Roland Rolf Otto Zwick
  • Patent number: 9067129
    Abstract: Cylindrical labyrinth that comprises a plurality of cylindrical bodies (10), where each one of them presents an outer wall (11) with a labyrinthine path (12) configured to be traversed by a ball (2) between an entry (13) into the labyrinthine path (12) and an exit (14) from the labyrinthine path (12); and a longitudinal shaft (20) configured to pierce and align the cylindrical bodies (10) and to allow the rotation thereof with respect to said shaft (20). Each cylindrical body (10) comprises a transparent cover (70) configured to cover the outer wall (11) of said body (10) and to prevent the ball (2) from falling out from the labyrinthine path (12) thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: YTRES ASSEMBLY, S.L.
    Inventor: Oscar Encina Cusi
  • Patent number: 8951088
    Abstract: System and method for additional amusement, entertaining and surprising visual or audible reward provided upon completing the reconstructing of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle. The puzzle pieces include conductive pads connected by a conductor such as a wire, a metallic strip or a conductive paint, so that upon assembling the puzzle, the pads are in contact to form a continuous conductive path. The frame or the puzzle pieces include a battery (or an AC adapter) and a visual or audible signaling device operating upon sensing the continuity of the conductive path. Each of the puzzle pieces may include three or more conductive pads, allowing for the forming two or more isolated or connected distinct conductive paths. The conductive path can further affect a time measurement and its related display for timing the puzzle solving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: May Patents Ltd.
    Inventor: Yehuda Binder
  • Patent number: 8900043
    Abstract: A computer-generated puzzle game can enable any appropriate image (e.g., a still image, video, or animation) to be used as a puzzle image. The puzzle game can utilize a framework including a portion of the puzzle image such that the user can determine where to place the puzzle pieces without having to see a version of the final image, which can save display real estate as well as provide suspense and additional challenge for the user. The puzzle pieces also can include a portion of the image, such that the player can determine where the pieces are to be placed in the framework without having to worry about rotating or properly positioning the pieces, which can be difficult on at least certain computing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: George Skaff Elias, Richard Channing Garfield
  • Publication number: 20140333022
    Abstract: A mat with puzzle function is a four-sided pad. Each side has a toothed border with a succession of teeth. At least two cutting lines divide the mat into four blocks, in such a way that each block has an assembling edge with the complementary shape to connect with other blocks. The block of each mat can engage with another block of the same mat to form a puzzle mat set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: Wen Ping Wang
  • Publication number: 20140246832
    Abstract: To provide a jigsaw puzzle that is manufactured easily and conveniently in a short time and allows reduction in production costs, and a method of manufacturing the same. A jigsaw puzzle obtained by stamping out a laminated sheet of a plurality of synthetic resin sheets with a stamping blade to be divided into a plurality of small pieces, wherein the laminated sheet is formed of: a soft sheet of a soft synthetic resin having a sheet shape formed by extrusion moulding; and a hard sheet of a synthetic resin that is harder than the soft sheet and is bonded to the soft sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: GATEWAY ARCH INC.
    Inventor: Katsuhisa Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8807566
    Abstract: The spatial logical and skill improvement game according to the invention is characterized by that the body thereof consists of coaxial body portions arranged at one or multiple layers, and that a labyrinth is formed inside the body and/or the body portions by path sections, pockets and ends, and the game comprises at least one toy element movable through the path sections, pockets, and ends constituting the labyrinth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Art & Smart Egg Kft.
    Inventor: András Zagyvai
  • Patent number: 8800994
    Abstract: A three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle comprising a base, a post fixedly secured to and emanating upwardly from the base, a first group of pieces, where each piece in the first group has a through-bore to enable stacking about the post and also has at least one radially extending projection in a shape of a trapezoidal solid, and a second group of pieces, where each piece in the second group has at least one radially extending projection in the shape of a trapezoidal solid. The first and second groups of pieces are operatively arranged to stack and interlock with one another to form a cylindrically shaped structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Great Circle Works Inc.
    Inventor: Marko Pavlovic
  • Publication number: 20140206423
    Abstract: A puzzle game system, similar to a jigsaw puzzle, can be played by a single player or by multiple players. The game system has a game board having a multiplicity of game board locations. One, of multiple puzzle pieces, is placed into each game board location. In one embodiment, the game board locations combine to form the shape of a human body and the puzzle pieces represent diet choices. At the end of the game, each player is scored based on the health and wellness achieved by the selected puzzle piece. A scoring system conceals the results until the game ends. For example, scoring features may be present on the backs of the puzzle pieces, and at the end of the game, each player can turn over their game board and obtain a score based on the scoring features seen through openings in the back of the game board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: Terry Alan Weed, Amy Marie Hathaway
  • Publication number: 20140183820
    Abstract: A puzzle includes a first piece and a second piece, the first and second pieces evidencing matching and selectively engageable profiles. A communication element is provided to the first and second pieces, the communication element enabling communication between the first and the second pieces, and an integrated power supply and load, when the first and second pieces are engaged with one another along the matching profiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventor: NICHOLAS J. TUCCILLO
  • Publication number: 20140183819
    Abstract: Puzzles that are packaged in assembled form and in a generally flat configuration are described herein. The puzzle package includes one or more flattened box components that provide support backing to the assembled puzzle. The box components have removable portions that provide structural rigidity to the puzzle pieces and are removable to transform the box components into a container for the puzzle pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: PIGMENT & HUE, INC.
    Inventor: Howard Kurtz
  • Patent number: 8746699
    Abstract: A novelty game that utilizes a plurality of alphanumeric-shaped playing pieces. Each playing piece has a body shaped as a letter or number. The body has a flat face surface, a parallel rear surface, and side edges that interconnect the face surface to the rear surface. The width of the side edges is large enough to enable each playing piece to stand upright on-edge and unsupported. A plurality of mechanical connectors are present on the playing pieces. The connectors enable each playing piece to physically interconnect with at least two others of the playing pieces to form an assemblage of letters or numbers word. When a conjoined assemblage is formed, only one or some of the playing pieces touch the ground. Most are supported in the air as the playing pieces build atop one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Forrest-Pruzan Creative LLC
    Inventors: Alan Pruzan, Andrew Forrest, Jay Wheatley
  • Publication number: 20140138909
    Abstract: The present application provides a modular tile and block kit comprising one or more tiles and one or more connectors for connecting adjacent tiles. The connectors are adapted to be positioned within channels on surfaces of adjacent tiles. The present application also provides tiles for use in a modular tile assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventors: George Makowka, Carole Makowka
  • Publication number: 20140131944
    Abstract: A game piece and a process of manufacture and a method of play in which an image Y is divided into two parts, and in which the face of a game piece has either a first part or a second part along the side with the purpose of aligning the face with another game piece so as to complete image Y. Sets of game pieces are produced in various embodiments with unique attributes based on the parts of the image and the parts' location on them. The sets are used in a variety of additional embodiments such as for strategy games, for trying to build 3D polyhedrons in which image Y is completed around each edge, or for designing polyhedrons which are then interacted with other polyhedrons to complete image Y in more embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: Tali Lehavi
  • Patent number: 8681171
    Abstract: The method is for identifying and selecting a color or a combination of colors. A color sphere (200) is provided that has a first color pocket (238) defined between a first horizontal disc (202) and a second horizontal disc (208) and vertical inserts (212c, 212b) extending between the first horizontal disc and the second horizontal disc. The first horizontal disc has a plurality of organized first spectrum of color cells and the second horizontal disc has a plurality of organized second spectrum of color cells. The first spectrum is gradually lighter than the second spectrum and gradually more gray from a peripheral surface (209) towards an axial opening (232a) of the first horizontal disc and an axial opening (232b) of the second horizontal discs. A first color cell (236) is identified in a first pocket (238).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Nicoline Kinch
  • Publication number: 20140070488
    Abstract: The present invention and creation relates to a kind of jigsaw puzzle and its method of fabrication. The jigsaw puzzle is comprised of a plurality of jigsaw puzzle blocks through cutting of a jigsaw puzzle board. The said jigsaw puzzle blocks are disposed of arc surfaces on the edges of both sides. In the jigsaw puzzle, the edges of both sides are arc surface, easy for splicing of jigsaw puzzle blocks. Also, the edges of the jigsaw puzzle blocks uneasily result in injury, which are safe in use. In method for fabrication of jigsaw puzzle, two sets of tools are used to be symmetrically provided on both sides of the said jigsaw puzzle board. The said two sets of tool move reversely, pressing and cutting the said jigsaw puzzle board to form a plurality of jigsaw puzzle blocks, as a result, the fabricated edges on both sides of the jigsaw puzzle blocks are arc surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Hape International (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Peter Hanstein
  • Publication number: 20140015195
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a therapeutic puzzle. The puzzle comprises a plurality puzzle pieces. Each of the pieces has a top surface, a bottom surface and complimentary joints for detachably assembling the pieces together in a pre-determined pattern. The top surface of one or more of the pieces features a therapeutic message or a series of therapeutic messages designed to bring about a pre-determined therapeutic result when the pieces are assembled in the pre-determined pattern to form the puzzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: Shirley SNOW
  • Publication number: 20130341863
    Abstract: A puzzle game includes a plurality of puzzle pieces, some of which have indicia thereon. The pieces can be fit together and points can be scored by matching indicia in adjacent pieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Joel Weinshanker, Michael Elliot
  • Patent number: 8602833
    Abstract: System and method for additional amusement, entertaining and surprising visual or audible reward provided upon completing the reconstructing of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle. The puzzle pieces include conductive pads connected by a conductor such as a wire, a metallic strip or a conductive paint, so that upon assembling the puzzle, the pads are in contact to form a continuous conductive path. The frame or the puzzle pieces include a battery (or an AC adapter) and a visual or audible signaling device operating upon sensing the continuity of the conductive path. Each of the puzzle pieces may include three or more conductive pads, allowing for the forming two or more isolated or connected distinct conductive paths. The conductive path can further affect a time measurement and its related display for timing the puzzle solving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: May Patents Ltd.
    Inventor: Yehuda Binder
  • Patent number: 8568187
    Abstract: The invention relates to a construction set made of a plurality of different members interacting together for assembly, characterized in that one so-called connector member (100) among said members has an essentially cylindrical body with a cylindrical surface (110) that is preformed in order to interact for assembly with the correspondingly preformed bases (120, 130) of other connector members (100). The construction set includes a plurality of other constitutive members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Robosynthesis Limited
    Inventor: Philip Norman
  • Publication number: 20130234388
    Abstract: A multi-piece, two-dimensional puzzle whose solution involves the matching of multiple-symbol, piece-matching indicia located along each edge of a two-faced puzzle piece with corresponding multiple-symbol, piece-matching indicia located along edges of adjacent abutting pieces. The multiple-symbol, piece-matching indicia is not shared by adjoining puzzle piece edges. Further, each piece is provided with unique piece-identifying indicia on both of its faces. Together, the matching of multiple-symbol, piece-matching indicia of adjacent tile edges, coupled with signaling of solutions as suggested by observation of the unique piece-identifying indicia leads a player to solution of the puzzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: John Dale
  • Patent number: 8523182
    Abstract: A ring puzzle has a plurality of rings having a through going slot through which the rings can be introduced into one another, and each of the ring being provided with a plurality of groups at least two circumferentially spaced protrusions and at least two axially spaced grooves, such that when one of the rings is introduced in another of the rings and turned relative to the latter and the protrusions of one of the rings are engaged in the grooves of another of the rings at least one of the groups two of the rings become firmly connected with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Igor Goldman
  • Patent number: 8511685
    Abstract: A stellated icosahedron puzzle has a plurality of assembled together parts forming in an assembled condition a stellated icosahedron, the assemblies including six mated together hollow octahedron assemblies and twelve hollow pyramid assemblies located on the hollow octahedron assemblies rotatable around each of the octahedron assembly via pivot shafts of the octahedron assemblies and stoppable every 180° of rotation, and the pyramid assemblies being independently attachable to and detachable from each of the pivot shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Igor Goldman
  • Publication number: 20130147114
    Abstract: A multi-skill jigsaw puzzle intended for the entertainment of two or more people and having at least two puzzle piece sizes in a pre-determined spacial relationship, the larger size puzzle pieces for those less skilled in working jigsaw puzzles, and the smaller puzzle pieces requiring a higher degree of puzzle working skill. Intermediate puzzle pieces occupy an area that separates and joins the at least two puzzle sections. The intermediate puzzle pieces are larger than the at least two (2) puzzle piece sizes and includes a first side of protrusions and recesses sized to mate with puzzle pieces in the first section, and a second side, opposite the first side, of protrusions and recesses sized to mate with puzzle pieces in the second section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Jack Wishy
  • Publication number: 20130134676
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a jigsaw puzzle having at least one puzzle piece that can be bent along at least one predefined bending line, and that has an upper side and a lower side and a puzzle piece thickness extending between the upper side and the lower side which is reduced from an inner side of a bend along each bending line. In order to neutralise the resilient restoring force that acts in the bent state, on each side of each bending line there is a fixing device which releasably fixes a desired bending angle, each fixing device having at least one recess into which a corresponding protrusion engages in a clamping and/or latching manner when the puzzle piece is bent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: RAVENSBURGER SPIELEVERLAG GMBH
    Inventors: Florian Knell, Joerg R. Bauer
  • Patent number: 8439361
    Abstract: An improved puzzle of the type in which a target image is applied to the edge of a stack of slats. The slats are shuffled and then reassembled by the user. In the improvement, the strip of target image that is associated with the edge of each slat is extended beyond the edge, along the surface of the slat, allowing the user to more readily perceive the puzzle pattern, particularly on relatively thin slats. The improvement also allows economic manufacture from inexpensive materials by ordinary printing techniques. Slats can be printed flat, then formed by folding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Steve Weinreich
  • Patent number: 8435037
    Abstract: A learning system for testing aspects of how a child learns includes a toy-like electro-mechanical chassis having upstanding pegs. The child is encouraged to place donut shaped hand pieces onto the pegs. The hand pieces test the ability of the child to discriminate between different colors, and separately between different textures and different shapes and also tests the child's abilities in perception and creativity. The electro-mechanical chassis also is able to test the child's ability to discern and copy tones and rhythms. Information of the child's performance is automatically collected and compared with normalized results of a large tested group of subjects. Remediation focuses on activities related to the learning channels where the child is least astute and periodic retesting measures the ability of the child to improve in those channels to enable improvement of remediation approaches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Tina Marie Davis
  • Publication number: 20130069305
    Abstract: A puzzle toy including: a piece set containing a plurality of component pieces; and a main body for accommodating the piece set therein, wherein each of the plurality of component pieces has a rear surface on which a plurality of lattices is formed, and the main body includes: light-emitting devices, which are arranged to correspond to the respective lattices and emit light towards the lattices, and light-receiving devices for detecting light reflected from the lattices; a signal analyzer for determining colors of the lattices by signals detected by the light-receiving devices and generating output signals for the lattices; a feedback call unit for analyzing the output signals for the lattices, recognizing the lattice arrangement of the piece set, and determining the assembly success/failure of the piece set and a type of the piece set; and a feedback processing unit for outputting information regarding the assembled piece set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Hyo Keun Lee, Seong Roh Lee
  • Patent number: 8393623
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, cubes with beveled edges that are joined by hinge elements can be folded into a larger cube. In another embodiment, a puzzle object with a plurality of holes may have a rope element threaded through it so as to conceal knot elements. In yet another embodiment, a plurality of puzzle objects with holes that are joined by hinge elements may have a rope element threaded through tunnels formed by the holes so as to conceal the knot elements. Different aspects and further embodiments of this invention provide for puzzles and amusements of varying design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: James Andrew Storer
  • Publication number: 20130056930
    Abstract: A ring puzzle has a plurality of rings having a through going slot through which the rings can be introduced into one another, and each of the ring being provided with a plurality of groups at least two circumferentially spaced protrusions and at least two axially spaced grooves, such that when one of the rings is introduced in another of the rings and turned relative to the latter and the protrusions of one of the rings are engaged in the grooves of another of the rings at least one of the groups two of the rings become firmly connected with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Igor Goldman
  • Publication number: 20130056931
    Abstract: A stellated icosahedron puzzle has a plurality of assembled together parts forming in an assembled condition a stellated icosahedron, the assemblies including six mated together hollow octahedron assemblies and twelve hollow pyramid assemblies located on the hollow octahedron assemblies rotatable around each of the octahedron assembly via pivot shafts of the octahedron assemblies and stoppable every 180° of rotation, and the pyramid assemblies being independently attachable to and detachable from each of the pivot shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Igor Goldman
  • Patent number: 8387989
    Abstract: A multi-player, multi-level stacking block game is formed from cubes of non-uniform size and is scored in such a fashion as to reward bold play but penalize the player that causes the stacked tower to fall down. The game includes 72 pieces which comprise six (6) sets of 12 pieces each. A player is selected to begin and rolls a die to determine which piece he or she plays. The piece is placed on a 3×3 grid having 9 squares. Players ultimately take turns placing a piece on the grid, and above it, until the tower either falls down or, if all 72 pieces are used, the player with the highest score wins. The playing pieces are uniquely structured so that at least one dimension of the subset of player pieces is not a multiple of another piece in that subset in order to enhance the instability factor of the game. The score that the player receives is an accumulation of the scores based upon piece location and how many levels a player piece occupies as well as if the player can occupy all 9 cubes on a particular level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Keith Baum
  • Patent number: 8348279
    Abstract: A take-apart puzzle consisting of a small number of identical looking bricks which are held together by the mutual magnetic attraction of their internally hidden magnets. The puzzle is disassembled by separating the bricks from one another. Upon separation it will be found that one or more of the magnets within the bricks have moved and/or rotated thereby causing one or more of the bricks to now mutually repel one another. The bricks will not be attracted to each other, thus forcing the so-moved magnets back into their original positions. The puzzle is made all the more tantalizing to solve by the fact that magnetic fields cannot be readily seen and the puzzle only consists of a small number of separate pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Peter Burton
  • Patent number: 8282101
    Abstract: An interactive entertainment system that includes a universal puzzle piece for each game or activity participant. The puzzle piece includes an updatable display displaying a first graphic image. The system includes an interactive display device with a display surface with an update mechanism that is operable such as by a controller, when the puzzle piece is in a predefined proximate position, to program the updatable display to update the first graphic image into a second graphic image. The updatable display includes an electrophoretic display layer storing the second graphic image. A transparent electrode layer is provided on a first side of the electrophoretic display layer. The update mechanism includes a puzzle piece update pad for receiving a second side of the electrophoretic display. The update pad includes a conductor layer or bottom conductor providing an electrical connection with the second side to provide the update to the first graphic image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Hayes Snoddy, Lanny S. Smoot, Scott Frazier Watson
  • Publication number: 20120200034
    Abstract: A soft and plush surface, broken into various pieces, is provided for a child to play upon. The soft and plush surface is in the shape of an animal, preferably. The various pieces are of various colors to mimic the fur color pattern a particular animal. A substrate layer is provided underneath the soft and plush surface to anchor the soft and plush surface. A glue layer is positioned underneath the substrate layer to fixedly attached the substrate layer to a foam layer. The present invention is soft and flexible enough to be used as a conventional format, but at the same time, the present invention is rigid enough to be put together like a puzzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Benjamin E. Braha, Stuart Kessler
  • Patent number: 8181961
    Abstract: A self-contained three-dimensional puzzle game that has a plurality of free-floating individual puzzle pieces (6) enclosed within a transparent enclosure (8). Puzzle is solved by using a wand (1) to move the individual puzzle pieces and forming the three dimensional solution. Wand is comprised of a rod, which extends through a small hole (4) in the enclosure. One embodiment has the three-dimensional subject solution covered with image graphics (10) so that when the individual pieces are manipulated into the correct positions they bring about an overall composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Louis Hall
  • Publication number: 20120098193
    Abstract: A puzzle kit for assembly into a three dimensional representation of a geographic region includes first pieces that form a first layer, second pieces that form a second layer on top of the first layer, and structure pieces mounted on the first and/or second layers. The first and second layers can include retaining elements for retaining the structure pieces. The retaining elements can take the form of voids. The first layer can include image elements visible through the voids of the second layer, and the image elements can include indicia to match the voids with the structure pieces. The first pieces can include anchoring pieces that are elevated and interlock with the second layer. The structure pieces can be sequentially assembled on the first and/or second layers according to an index. The assembled puzzle can represent a city, and the structure pieces can represent buildings within the city.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Shaun Sunt Sakdinan