Abstract: A puzzle kit includes a rectangular frame of interconnected side members which forms a border for a working area designed to receive a plurality of different puzzle pieces. The side members of the frame include a plurality of holes extending therethrough. The puzzle pieces are provided with a plurality of transverse passageways extending through the puzzle pieces so that when the puzzle pieces are properly arranged within the working area, the holes and passageways are generally aligned. Elongated pin elements are inserted into the aligned passageways and holes to maintain the puzzle pieces at a fixed position within the frame member. When not in use, the frame member, with assembled puzzle pieces and locking pins, may be stored by inserting the frame into a channel formed in a base member. The non-assembled puzzle pieces may be stored by inserting the pin elements through passageways in the puzzle pieces and then inserting the pin elements in cavities formed in the base member.

Abstract: An amusement card game is disclosed which includes a playing deck having advancement cards for advancing a player toward a game objective. Impediment cards which impede the advancement of the player, and remedy cards which remove the effect of the impediment card. The game further includes a first stack of instruction cards which are drawn and played in response to reaching levels of advancement in accordance with the advancement cards wherein the instruction cards include good and bad instructions relative to reaching the game objective. Preferably, the instruction cards include intermediate instruction cards which govern reaching intermediate levels of advancement and completion cards which contain good and bad instructions regarding reaching of the final level of advancement and completing the game. In the preferred embodiment, the instruction cards include pictorial designs on one side which fit together to complete a picture when played according to the game.

Abstract: A toy figure having disassembleable appendages attached thereto. The figure includes a body member that has a plurality of receptacles therein adapted to removably receive therein extended connection members that are attached to the appendages. Each extended member preferably has a cross-sectional shape, number, and color that differs from the cross-sectional shapes, numbers, and colors of the other extended members. Each receptacle is configured to receive at least one of the extended members therein and is also preferably provided with a number and color that corresponds to the number and color of the extended member that is adapted to be received therein. Each appendage is also preferably provided with shape, number, and color indicators that serve to identify the cross-sectional shape, number, and color of the extended member that is attached thereto.

Abstract: A double sided picture or jigsaw type puzzle includes separate puzzles on both of the opposite sides of the puzzle sheet. The first side may include one or more separate individual picture puzzles, while the second side may also comprise one or more puzzles. Disassembly may be required of the assembled puzzle(s) of the first side, in order to assemble the puzzle(s) of the second side from the separate and individual puzzle pieces. Alternatively, the second side puzzle(s) may be assembled by joining the inverted and completed first side puzzle(s), depending upon the printing of the completed puzzle pictures. The individual puzzle pieces provide a myriad of different assemblies, due to the congruent nature of all, or almost all, of the puzzle pieces.

Abstract: A multi-layered educational and entertaining device including a plurality of independent layers, comprising a top planar layer comprising a plurality of irregularly-shaped pieces assembled together to form a top educational and entertaining picture, at least one intermediate planar layer comprising a plurality of irregularly-shaped pieces assembled together to form at least one intermediate educational and entertaining picture, and a bottom planar layer including a bottom puzzle portion and a raised decorative border extending inward from the bottom layer's outer edges and abutting the bottom puzzle portion, the bottom puzzle portion comprising at least one piece which forms a bottom educational and entertaining picture.

Abstract: A combination of a plurality of toys having multiple, disengageable parts and a storage device therefor, all the parts have identifying means which make the parts of one toy distinguishable from the parts of the other toys, and the storage device has one storage compartment for each toy, each storage compartment having an identifying means which matches that of one of the toys.

Abstract: A jigsaw puzzle comprising four frame pieces and a multiplicity of interior pieces designed to be assembled in a vertical format with the additional problem solving dimensions being required to complete the solution of the puzzle which can be partially assembled using classical jigsaw puzzle solving skills, in which the graphic design is such that the interior pieces represent windows of a building and the frame pieces represent the edges and corners of a building, and where the box into which the entire puzzle can be packaged is used as a support around which to assemble the frame.

Abstract: A three-dimensional puzzle consisting of puzzle bodies which hang in one another and can be assembled to form a polyhedron body. The puzzle bodies, which hang in one another, form a link chain consisting of a straight number of chain links. One half of the chain links are cornered rings of which, in the assembled condition, at least one outer side forms a portion of the surface of the polyhedron. The other half of the chain links consists of segments of the polyhedron parts which are disposed above one another and which are disposed above and below the plane formed by the rings. These two segments themselves form irregular polyhedrons, are rigidly connected with one another by means of two webs so that they form a closed chain link which, together with the rings, form a link chain which then may be assembled to form, for example, a tetrahedron, a cube, an octahedron or the like.

Abstract: A jigsaw puzzle piece organizer wherein a plurality of trays are provided for holding a plurality of groups of puzzle pieces according to the color and configuration of the puzzle pieces. Interconnected empty trays can be arranged in a compact stack for storage, or in an interconnected stack wherein there is a clearance between adjacent trays containing puzzle pieces for providing temporary storage for the puzzle pieces during the assembly of the puzzle to completion.

Abstract: A completed, solved game puzzle 10 is a mobius strip made of multiple columns 24 and rows 22 of blocks 20, or block-like pieces. Each block 20 has opposing display surfaces and opposing connecting surfaces which are orthogonal to the display surfaces. The connecting surfaces have mechanisms such as a corresponding peg 30 and aperture 32, respectively, for connecting one block 20 to another block 20. The display surfaces exhibit a color, alphabet 28, number or symbol. The unsolved puzzle is one or more bands of blocks connected by and pivotable about an axis 26 extending through the center of each block 20 parallel to the display and connecting surfaces. The solution to the puzzle may be words or phrases spelled by aligned letters of individual strips, or a predetermined pattern formed from aligned colors or symbols. To solve the puzzle, the blocks of each strip must be connected adjacent the blocks of another strip at appropriate locations.

Abstract: The device utilizes a changeable-configuration geometric arrangement including a plurality of units, such as tetrahedrons, connected together at points by means of joints. The tetrahedrons can be equally divided into two different types of units that are exact mirror images of each other. The unit in each type has four triangular faces. The units along with the joints form an articulated chain in which any two adjacent units are of different types. The assembly of any two units connected together with a joint allows both units to rotate relative to each other in all directions around the center of the joint. In the articulated device, six consecutive units can be used to form the configuration of a cube. Different coloring and/or numbering schemes can be used to provide different levels of complexity and challenge for the puzzle. Units can be formed as right tetrahedrons having two faces with side lengths generally equal to (L, .sqroot.2 L, .sqroot.

Abstract: A set of tiles each of which is distinct from the other tiles in the set is arranged in a particular circle tiling having various unusual properties. As a result of these properties, each one of a number of sub-sets of these tiles may be identified by a characteristic color or other characterizing mark, and these sub-sets, so identified, may be used in various ways as a recreational puzzle, as a game, as an educational tool, for aesthetic purposes, and for a variety of other uses.

Abstract: A transparent cube puzzle which includes a transparent cube-shaped container, a first number of cubes and a plurality of designators. The first number is defined by (n.sup.3 -n) with n being the maximum number of cubes in a row. The transparent cube-shaped container has six faces each of which has a second number of holes equally-spaced apart thereon. The second number is defined by n.sup.2. Each cube has six faces and is formed out of a transparent material. One first designator is coupled to each face of each cube. Each face of the cubes has an indentation thereon and a first designators is disposed in the indentation of each face of each cube. Four first sets of the first designators each of which consists of the second number of tabs which are of a color which is distinctive within the four first sets. Two second sets of the first designators each of which consists of a third number of tabs which are of a color which is distinctive within the four first sets and within the two second sets.

Abstract: Methods of making a predetermined shape from a plurality of uniformly styled letters of a word comprise the steps of measuring each letter in the word to determine how much of a total shape area each letter will occupy; placing a first letter along an outer edge of the predetermined shape; adjusting another letter of the word so that it can be placed against at least one of an edge of the first letter and the outer edge of the predetermined shape; placing the another letter; and repeating the last two adjusting and placing steps until all of the letters have been placed and all of the area of the predetermined shape has been filled. Using the methods, images can be disassembled into separate pieces that can be assembled into words, naming the images, and words can be worked into fixed, space-filled shapes so that there are no pieces left out and each letter is made from only one piece.

Abstract: A board game includes a board having a playing area to be filled by a plurality of playing pieces. Playing pieces of different geometric configurations are provided, with each geometric configuration being formed of a whole number multiple of a basic geometric shape. At least one indicating means is provided to identify each of the different geometric configurations. The indicating means is actuatable to randomly identify at least one geometric configuration of a playing piece to be placed on the playing area and/or removed from an opponent's playing area, with the geometric configuration being identified as a whole number multiple of the basic geometric shape. A number of embodiments of the above-described board game are part of the present invention as well as methods of playing the board games.

Abstract: A multilayer puzzle having a plurality of superposable card units in the form of polygons of identical shape and size consisting of a transparent material. Surfaces of the card units carry a plurality of distinct markings in the form of layers of various, opaque colors disposed on at least portions of at least one of the surfaces of each of the card units, leaving transparent other surface portions thereof. Through which transparent surface portions there can be perceived surface portions of at least the next-lower card unit of the plurality of card units when superposed, whereby by rotation and/or face reversal of at least one of the card units in the superposed plurality, a large number of pattern-forming combinations of the markings can be obtained, differing in colors, shapes and relative positions. At least one of the combinations on at least one face of the superposed plurality of card units may be defined as target combination to be achieved by the handler of the puzzle.

Abstract: A computer system having a computer keyboard for use with software for playing games or solving puzzles is disclosed, which includes software for playing a puzzle game, a central processing unit for processing the software, a monitor for the display of information receiving from the central processing unit and a keyboard connected to the central processing unit for manipulating information displayed on the monitor. The keyboard includes a keypad having a rectangular pattern of keys for a direct exchange of positions occupied by two partial pictures. The direct exchange is carried out by depressing any two keys of the keypad, thus, permitting the exchange of partial pictures not necessarily located within a common row or a common column, nor located at an end of a row or an end of a column. The exchange of partial pictures corresponds to the keys so depressed within a rectangular picture displayed on said monitor.

Abstract: A puzzle in the form of a flat, circular plate is composed of a plurality of concentric rings, wherein each ring contains numerals, symbols or parts of pictures on its front and on its rear surface. These have to be arranged in a given order on the plate by rotation and/or reversal of each ring. In the case of pictures the parts on each ring have to be assembled to form one or more complete pictures, and in the case of numerals into a given arrangement or sequence of figures. Each ring is provided with a circumferential groove and with protruding knobs engaging with the groove of the adjoining ring whereby the rings are maintained in a common plane of the circular plate.

Abstract: A folding magnetic, reusable, game board, useful as a puzzle board and in combination with a jigsaw puzzle and associated instructional puzzle placard, having first and second foldable components and a non-foldable component, a magnetic playing surface for engaging magnetically attractive playing pieces, and a non-playing surface opposite the playing surface. A support system with an elongated member, and pivotal leg frame comprised of a pair of braced leg members useable to incline the game board above the horizontal plane upon which it rests. A cooperating closure mechanism with a first closure tab associated with the first foldable component, and a second closure tab associated with the second foldable component engageable with one another to maintain the game board in a closed position.

Abstract: A puzzle is provided, according to the preferred embodiment, having a series of rectangular blocks assembled so as to be able to slide on the surface of a rectangular planar back panel mounted in a vertical orientation. A set of four frame members, two of which have engaging tongue members and two of which have engaging groove members, are attached thereto. Each of the rectangular blocks is configured with two perpendicular, adjacent edge tongue members and two perpendicular groove members oriented to mutually engage respective tongues and grooves of other blocks and of the frame members of the puzzle. One space substantially equal to the size of one block is left empty to permit block movement. Each block has a magnet adapted to releasably engage a complementary magnet on the back panel so that when the magnets are engaged, the block positioned above an empty block space will not fall into that space.

Abstract: A jigsaw puzzle is disclosed comprising a plurality of interlocking puzzle pieces to complete a design on the surface of the puzzle pieces. Each of the plurality of interlocking puzzle pieces comprising a base member, a luminous sheet containing a luminous material provided on the base member, and a design layer having a portion of a design provided on the surface of the luminous sheet so that a design is formed on the surface of the plurality of puzzle pieces when each of the plurality of puzzle pieces is inlaid at a predetermined position.

Abstract: A puzzle formed of a plurality of puzzle pieces which, when assembled, create a self-standing, three-dimensional building structure. The puzzle pieces are of irregular, polygonal shape, but all puzzle pieces are flat, planar blocks. The blocks are releasably interlocked about a common plane with first, edgewise, complementary dovetail joints. For interlocking puzzle walls that are transverse to one another, second, straight U-shape, edgewise, complementary tenon and mortise joints are further provided edgewisely of those corner blocks for frictional interlocking. Thus, no separate pin, bent units or the like are required to anchor the corner portions of the three dimensional structure. The self-standing, enclosing structure is continuous, and show a continuous image on its external face.

Abstract: A decorative receptacle for storing pieces of an unassembled puzzle on a wall which has a top portion and a cooperatively interfitting bottom portion in a spaced-apart relation; the top portion having a flat surface and four upright sides defining a downwardly opening recess; the bottom portion having a flat surface and four upright sides defining an upwardly opening recess whereby the sides of the bottom portion cooperatively fit within the sides of the top portion, keeping the bottom portion and the top portion in a spaced-apart relation and defining a hollow space of predetermined height, length and width for storing pieces of an unassembled puzzle therein. The top portion is attached to the wall and the bottom portion carries the decorative display surface that faces outward from the wall.

Abstract: A kit including an assembled puzzle allows the sender to inscribe a message or the like on the back surface of the assembled puzzle, then disassemble the puzzle and send the disassembled puzzle and instructions to a recipient. The recipient must then reassemble the puzzle in order to determine the message inscribed upon the puzzle back surface by the sender. A card included in the kit provides instructions to the recipient, and may also include either a preprinted message or space for a further message by the sender. If the recipient wishes, he or she may use a transparent adhesive sheet provided with the kit to keep the puzzle in a permanently assembled state, and the adhesive sheet may provide an extension in order to secure the permanently assembled puzzle to the card in the manner of a conventional greeting card, if the recipient so desires.

Abstract: The jigsaw puzzle requires assembly and disassembly with a sequence of assembling. The configuration, as viewed parallel to one axis, is individualized as a trace indicia. As cuts are made, pieces are disassembled and cut so that the last cut line extends into a previous cut line, but not across the previous cut line because of the part being disassembled.

Abstract: A puzzle apparatus includes an assembly panel and a plurality of puzzle pieces adapted to be assembled in edge-to-edge contact with one another on the panel. At least one holding panel is also provided. The holding panel is connected to the assembly panel and is movable between a closed storage position overlying the assembly panel and an open assembly position exposing the assembly panel. Suitable structure is provided for retaining the pieces on the assembly and holding panels while permitting detachment of the pieces therefrom by manual manipulation of the pieces. Thus, the puzzle pieces remain in contact with the assembly and holding panels until manually repositioned so that if the puzzle is not completed during one sitting it can be stored for future attention.

Abstract: A plurality of three-dimensional puzzle pieces will create model atmospheres for model globes and flat puzzles, having a thickness suitable to comprise of all types of subject matter to be embedded within the pieces displaying the subject matter in three-dimensional forms. The subject matter will include the geography of a world, all elements of an atmosphere such as cloud formations and storm systems, and make possible to represent events that were and are being effected by nature and man, such as objects in flight, volcanic eruptions, nuclear explosions, and events of historical importance. Descriptive indicia may appear at any level of the atmosphere adding many areas whereon a great many more listings of significant information can be included, compared to standard globes and maps that have one surface of indicia where crowded confusion can exist when heavily referenced.

Abstract: The present invention is an instructional child's story and picture book including a front cover, a back cover, and a plurality of pages pivotally disposed between the front and back covers. At least one of the pages includes text on one or more sides and a puzzle on the other side. The puzzle includes a plurality of interlocking puzzle pieces to provide a hand and eye coordination and recognition manipulative for children.

Abstract: This application discloses a tiling system for surfaces where the pattern of the tiling changes continuously from one portion of the tiling to another in an Escher-like metamorphoses with the difference the the metamorphoses are based on binary combinations of n transformations on the edges of the tile. Accordingly, the tiling is obtained from the n directions of the edges of an underlying zonohedron, a polyhedron derived as a projection of an n-dimensional cube. The zonohedron provides a hidden network for the continuous transformations of the tiles to one another. The derived designs utilize 3- and 4-sided polygons and have a variety of curved edges in and across the plane of the tile. The metamorphic designs provide visually attractive alternatives to periodic patterns used as architectural surfaces, walls, floors, ceilings, window screens and dividers, architectural space enclosures, visual art, textile designs and computer graphics amongst other varied applications.

Abstract: Apparatus for displaying ingenuity and creativity consists of a plurality of modules that have first and second surfaces, that are planar, angled or curved, and that have slits in at least two sides of the perimeters of the modules. Portions of the modules constitute display surfaces adapted to carry segments of a pattern. The slits of each module may be interlinked with the slits of adjacent modules to form a composite assembly in two or three dimensions that displays a newly created pattern or a predetermined pattern or succession of predetermined patterns on one or both of the first and second surfaces of the composite assembly.

Abstract: A geodesic globe formed of identical overlapping and interlocking specific geometric configuration segments formed of a bendable material which can be folded and interlocked whereby if the pieces are printed with portions of a map of the world they form a puzzle which can be assembled into a globe.

Abstract: A magnetic puzzle for educational purposes comprises a plurality of pieces. Each of the pieces has a magnetic side and a graphics side and is adapted to be attached to a metallic board. The pieces are of a thickness such that two or more pieces may be positioned one upon the other with the bottom piece attached to the metallic board.

Abstract: A jigsaw puzzle toy has a board (2) with a recess (5) defined in its upper surface. The jigsaw puzzle toy includes a plurality of first projections (19) projecting on the upper surface of the board and having first shapes, respectively, when viewed in plan, a plurality of first blocks (23) having respective holes (31) defined in surfaces thereof and having respective shapes complementary to the first shapes of the first projections (19) for fitting engagement therewith, and respective cavities (29) defined in other surfaces thereof and having respective second shapes, respectively, when viewed in plan; and a plurality of second blocks (37) having respective shapes complementary to the second shapes, respectively, when viewed in plan, for fitting engagement in the cavities (29), respectively, of the first blocks. The second blocks (37) have respective second projections (39) having the first shapes, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle, which, when completed, produces a three-dimensional figure or form encased in a three-dimensional framing volume, such as a cube or other solid figure. The puzzle is cut into a number of horizontal slices, each of which is further broken into irregular jigsaw-like pieces.

Abstract: A magic folding game includes a plurality of different folders each in the form of a combination of two right polygons having a joining line in the middle, in which the joining line is a side of both the polygons. From each side of the joining line, lateral edges are extended symmetrically and, the inclined angle between the joining line and each of the lateral edges is the internal angle of the pentagons, the extension of each of the lateral edges passing through the center of a pentagon to form a junction. Assembly of a plurality of folders can form a spheroid through interlacing of their respective connection arcs in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction such that a lateral edge of one folder is aligned with the joining line of another folder.

Abstract: A three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle sculpture is provided for use in retaining puzzle pieces in assembled form in a decorative piece of art. The jigsaw puzzle sculpture includes a frame which defines the shape of the sculpture, and puzzle assembled to the frame. The frame has a three-dimensional configuration and includes a channel extending around the periphery of each frame section to hold the puzzle pieces in place. Each frame section provides a substantially planar surface circumscribed by a channel, which planar surface provides a support for the puzzle pieces. The planar surfaces include one or more apertures which are utilized to remove the puzzle pieces from the frame. Separable frame members are assembled to one another utilizing pin and hole interlocks. The three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle sculpture, when fully assembled, provides a decorative piece of art which may be subsequently disassembled and reassembled as desired.

Abstract: A picture puzzle of the "jigsaw" type has a magnetic backing on each piece used to adhere the assembled puzzle to a ferrous backing plate which may be framed and wall-hung. The puzzle is free to be reused.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a game using jigsaw puzzle like game boards but wherein each game piece in the form of a jigsaw puzzle piece and the underlying board both have matching letter and number identifications facilitating locating where the game piece is to be placed. Certain game pieces have a unique indicia, such as the word "Scramble" which, after being placed on a board, results in the game boards of all players being shifted one player position. The game boards are like jigsaw puzzles with borders to retain the game pieces on the board. Each player has a board, and all game pieces are piled on the playing table. The first player selects a number of game pieces, such as ten, and places those matching his board on his board, and those not matching are returned to the pile. The first player to complete a puzzle is the winner.

Abstract: A stacking puzzle including a plurality of stackable, game pieces and one or more solid game rods. Each of the game pieces includes an aperture extending obliquely therethrough. When the game pieces are properly stacked and oriented relative to one another, the oblique apertures line up and allow the game rods to be inserted through all the game pieces. However, the game pieces must be stacked in the proper order and must be placed in the proper orientation relative to one another in order for the apertures to align properly. Although there are a multitude of incorrect ways to arrange the game pieces, only one correct arrangement causes the apertures to align and thereby permit the game rod to be inserted through the game pieces. In one embodiment, the faces of the game pieces are made nonparallel to provide an additional degree of freedom and thereby further increase the challenge of the puzzle.

Abstract: An educational card game adapted to be played on a geographical game board bearing a continental area with countries marked and outlined therein. The outlined countries of the game board are geographically shaped and removed similar to puzzle pieces whereby each are adapted to fit with one another and to overlie the outlined country space. The game is played similar to gin rummy, whereby educational game cards with specific geographical features and information are used for the card playing aspect of the game. The players compete for desired cards, the accumulation of which entitles one player to win each round. The players, after each round is over, collect country board pieces which are added to a player's point totals. The game is completed when all of the country board pieces have been collected or a predetermined point total has been reached.

Abstract: A combination breakable toy and puzzle. A ball comprises eight identical wedge-shaped elements, each having a resiliently deformable foam core and a smooth outer skin. Within the interiors of the individual elements, near the vertices thereof, magnets are mounted for interacting with magnets mounted on the interiors of other wedges, such that the ball can be magnetically assembled by matching opposite polarities of the magnets. The ball may be pried apart, or may be broken apart without structural damage by throwing it against a wall or the floor, and may then be reassembled. The ball may be used as a puzzle, challenging a child to assemble it in the proper fashion. Plus and minus signs may be provided on the faces of the wedge-shaped elements to assist in this task. Other configurations for the toy are cubes, pyramids and baby rattles.

Abstract: The present invention entails a geography game kit that is designed for teaching children and others the identity and location of counties within a particular state, the county seat of respective counties, and general information and history concerning the counties and the state. In particular, the geography game kit includes a puzzle board that includes a back panel having a raised state shaped outline extending around the back panel that conforms to the shape of a particular state. There is also provided a plurality of county puzzle pieces that conform to or represent the shape of the respective counties constituting the particular state. In addition, the game kit comprises a series of question and answer cards that relate to information about the respective counties and state. Finally, the geography game kit of the present invention includes a timer and at least one die that is used to determine which player begins play.

Abstract: The invention provides a puzzle embodied in a 3-sided regularly shaped pyramid comprising eleven smaller 3-sided pyramids and four small octaeder shaped bodies, which smaller pieces are connected to a string forming an endless chain. The complexity of the puzzle is achieved by coloring the side planes of the smaller parts in various colors and connecting the smaller pieces in a certain sequence to a string. The solution of the puzzle is obtained by placing the smaller parts of puzzle in such a way that the large pyramid is formed and the side planes of the large pyramid are uniformly colored by the smaller pieces. A preferred embodiment is given in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprising the 15 smaller pieces of FIGS. 3 and 4 placed in a continuous string as shown in FIG. 5.

Abstract: A supplementary teaching instrument based on mathematical basic theories and principles as well as child psychology. The invention employs a number of rectangular blocks of a prescribed shape which occupy a predetermined area when assembled together, and a corresponding area of triangular shaped blocks of various sizes and shapes. In addition to creating artistic designs by different arrangements of the blocks which may be of different colors, the rectangular blocks can be used in the fashion of a domino game, and the dimensional relationship between the triangular blocks and the rectangular blocks teach the basic concepts of mathematics including addition, substraction, multiplication, fractions, areas, and the like.

Abstract: A multi-set assembly puzzle (100) whose flat pieces correspond to the panels of a soccer ball. A 32 piece complement comprises 20 hexagons (102) and 12 pentagons (104). Grooves (112) in all polygon sides (110) must have a cylinder (114) attached in it's right (R) else left (L) portions. Sides (110) adjoin only RR else LL. Adjoining pieces may be coupled by inserting a single connecting pin (120) through their aligned cylinder's centers (118). The Rs and Ls of the polygons' sides (110) may be configured to produce 22 different subspecies. The sides (110) are grouped in 90 adjoining pairs which are randomly assigned R else L. The polygon subspecies are then found by examining the Rs and Ls of their sides, and their quantities become the specification for the complement. Successive specifications are compared to all previous specifications. Identical specifications are eliminated, but the former set has another solution, and is rated less difficult.

Abstract: A toy is made up of a number of different elements which fit together in a particular manner to form a spherical body. A first set of elements are each of a pyramid shape with a hexagonal cross-section and a second set of elements are each of a pyramid shape with a pentagonal cross-section. The respective elements fit together in a particular manner to form a spherical body and have interfitting tongue and groove connectors.

Abstract: An animated jigsaw puzzle in which a support base carries in fixed relationship a variety of jigsaw puzzle pieces in a fixed configuration when assembled, the animation includes portions of the jigsaw puzzle pieces which are adapted to move in various mechanical manners, and a drive linkage connecting the animated motion to an underlying drive train contained below the support tray coupled through a drive belt to a prime mover for use by a young child.

Abstract: A jigsaw puzzle including a base, a number of conductors disposed on the base and arranged in a line, a switch disposed between every two adjacent conductors, a number of jigsaw pieces can be disposed upon the switch, a sounding device connected between two of the conductors and sending out a sound when all of the switches are depressed by the jigsaw pieces and when all of the jigsaw pieces are correctly disposed in place.

Abstract: A composite toy having a plurality of interfitting toy components. The composite toy and the toy components, each has the shape of a separately identifiable structure, the exterior surfaces of the toy components forming the exterior surface of the composite toy when they are interconnected in a selected relationship. In the embodiment shown herein, the composite toy consists of a globe depicting the Earth's surface, including its land and water masses. The component toys comprise three stuffed animals comprising an elephant, an eagle and a whale. Fastening means are provided to permit interconnection of the toy components in a stable fashion, while minimizing any detrimental impact on the appearance of the completed toy structure. In the embodiment illustrated herein, the fastening devices consist of Velcro strips attached to the edges of the toy components which are adapted to interface with one another when an elephant, eagle and whale are interconnected to form the globe.

Abstract: An audio-visual interactive puzzle includes a rigid puzzle form defining a predetermined number of form cutouts, an upper graphic disposed on the form upper surface, and a plurality of respective removable puzzle pieces, each having a peripheral configuration conforming to that of an associated form cutout and bearing a piece graphic. A flexible membrane bears on the underside thereof a plurality of conductors in predetermined relative disposition, and a plurality of respective lower graphics overlie the flexible membrane and underlie the form cutouts. A spacer includes respective spacer cutouts generally corresponding to and disposed to underlie the form cutouts, and a conductive ground plane underlies the spacer cutouts. An electronic sound generator generates respective predetermined associated sounds in response to the input signals applied thereto.