US20060033271A1

US20060033271A1 - Solid puzzle

Info

Publication number: US20060033271A1
Application number: US10/914,175
Authority: US
Inventors: Yu Wu
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-08-10
Filing date: 2004-08-10
Publication date: 2006-02-16

Abstract

A solid puzzle including a solid polyhedral main body having multiple faces, multiple unit pieces and engaging structures for fixing the unit pieces on the faces of the main body. The main body has a certain volume and several faces. By means of the engaging structures, the unit pieces are assembled and attached to the faces of the main body. Each unit piece has at least one recessed section and at least one projecting section. The shape of the projecting section is complementary to the shape of the recessed section. One of the recessed section and projecting section of at least one unit piece attaching to each face of the main body covers an adjacent face. The recessed section or projecting section covering the adjacent face is inserted with the corresponding projecting section or recessed section of another unit piece attaching to the adjacent face.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to a solid puzzle, and more particularly to a solid puzzle having a polyhedral main body and multiple unit pieces which can be sequentially assembled and attached to the faces of the main body for achieving an entertaining effect.
FIG. 9 shows a conventional plane jigsaw puzzle composed of a plane board 6 and multiple segment pieces 61. The plane board 6 is formed with a depression 62. The segment pieces 61 have complementary recesses and projections 611, 612. In accordance with the picture on the surface of the segment pieces 61, the segment pieces 61 are sequentially assembled in the depression 62 to achieve an entertaining effect.
The segment pieces 61 are simply assembled on the plane board 6. Such procedure is quite monotonous and too easy to challenge. Therefore, the entertaining effect achieved by such plane jigsaw puzzle is poor. Moreover, each segment piece 61 has a fixed assembled position which cannot be exchanged with the other. Therefore, the assembling manner is limited without variation so that such jigsaw puzzle can hardly attract consumers to purchase.
FIG. 10 shows a conventional solid embossed jigsaw puzzle composed of a substrate 7 and multiple unit pieces 71. The substrate 7 is formed with a dent 72 having a profile of a subject picture. The unit pieces 71 can be assembled in the dent 72 to complete a solid model.
Such solid embossed jigsaw puzzle can achieve a solid feeling. However, the unit pieces 71 are still simply assembled on one face of the substrate 7. The entertaining effect achieved by such solid embossed jigsaw puzzle is similar to that of the plane jigsaw puzzle. Also, each unit piece 71 has a fixed assembled position which cannot be exchanged with the other. Therefore, the assembling manner is limited without variation so that such jigsaw puzzle can hardly attract consumers to purchase.
FIG. 11 shows another type of cubic puzzle composed of several cubic blocks 8 piled on each other. Each cubic block 8 has six faces respectively having different unit patterns. When the cubic blocks 8 are piled into the cubic puzzle, the unit patterns of the cubic blocks 8 are assembled to form a complete pattern of each face of the cubic puzzle.
Furthermore, the cubic blocks 8 are piled to form the cubic puzzle. Therefore, each cubic block 8 is supported by the other. In the case that one of the cubic blocks 8 misses, especially the central one, the other cubic blocks 8 will be unsupported and it will be impossible to complete the patterns.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a solid puzzle including a solid polyhedral main body having multiple faces, multiple unit pieces which can be assembled and attached to the faces of the main body by way of insertion and engaging structures for fixing the unit pieces on the faces of the main body.
The main body has a certain volume and several faces and each unit piece has a form of a polygon. By means of the engaging structures, the unit pieces are assembled and attached to the faces of the main body. Each unit piece has at least one recessed section and at least one projecting section. The shape of the projecting section is complementary to the shape of the recessed section. One of the recessed section and projecting section of at least one unit piece attaching to each face of the main body will cover an adjacent face. The recessed section or projecting section covering the adjacent face is inserted with the corresponding projecting section or recessed section of another unit piece attaching to the adjacent face.
The main body is a polyhedral body and the unit pieces are assembled and attached to the faces of the main body to complete a solid pattern. Such assembling procedure is liver and can achieve more entertaining effect. In addition, the positions of the unit pieces are exchangeable so that the combination/permutation of the unit pieces are variable. Accordingly, it is more funny and challengeable to assemble the unit pieces.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide the above solid puzzle in which the unit pieces are formed with engaging structures so that after assembled and attached, the unit pieces will not detach from the main body. Therefore, the assembly is facilitated and after completed, the puzzle can be conveniently carried and readily reassembled.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide the above solid puzzle in which the main body is composed of a first hollow half body and a second hollow half body which are associated by way of insertion. Therefore, the main body has an internal receiving space in which the unit pieces can be stored without missing. Also, it is more convenient to carry the puzzle.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide the above solid puzzle in which the unit pieces are attached to the faces of the main body and supported by the main body. Therefore, in the case that one of the unit pieces misses, the other unit pieces can be still assembled and attached to the main body.
The present invention can be best understood through the following description and accompanying drawings wherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective assembled view of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective partially exploded view of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing that the main body of the present invention is composed of a first hollow half body and a second hollow half body;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing that the first and second half bodies are associated with each other by way of insertion;
FIG. 5 is a perspective assembled view of a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a perspective partially exploded view of the second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a perspective assembled view of a third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a perspective partially exploded view of the third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a conventional plane jigsaw puzzle;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a conventional solid embossed jigsaw puzzle; and
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a conventional cubic puzzle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Please refer to FIGS. 1 and 2. The solid puzzle of the present invention includes a solid main body 1 having multiple faces, multiple unit pieces 2 which can be assembled and attached to the faces of the main body 1 by way of insertion and engaging structures for fixing the unit pieces 2 on the faces of the main body 1. When all the unit pieces 2 are sequentially assembled, the faces of the main body 1 are totally covered.
The main body 1 has a certain volume and several faces 11. In this embodiment, the main body 1 is a cubic body having six faces 11 adjacent to each other. In order to facilitate manufacturing the mold for molding the main body 1, the main body 1 is composed of a first hollow half body 12 and a second hollow half body 13 which are associated by way of insertion as shown in FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 4, the first and second half bodies 12, 13 are respectively formed with engaging sections 121, 131 for engaging the first and second half bodies 12, 13 with each other to form a complete solid main body 1.
Each unit piece 2 has a form of a polygon. Each unit piece 2 has at least one recessed section 21 and at least one projecting section 22. The shape of the projecting section 22 of each unit piece 2 is complementary to the shape of the recessed section 21 of an adjacent unit piece 2. Therefore, the projecting section 22 can be inserted into the recessed section 21 to sequentially assemble and attach the unit pieces 2 to the faces 11 of the main body 1. One of the recessed section 21 and projecting section 22 of at least one unit piece 2 attaching to at least one face 11 of the main body 1 will cover an adjacent face 11. In addition, the recessed section 21 or projecting section 22 covering the adjacent face 11 is inserted with the corresponding projecting section 22 or recessed section 21 of another unit piece 2 attaching to the adjacent face 11. Accordingly, all the unit pieces 2 are linked and engaged with each other. In this embodiment, there are twelve unit pieces 2 and at least two unit pieces 2 are attached to each face 11 of the main body 1. One of the recessed section 21 and projecting section 22 of each unit piece 2 attaching to each face 11 of the main body 1 will cover an adjacent face 11. In addition, the recessed section 21 or projecting section 22 covering the adjacent face 11 is inserted with the corresponding projecting section 22 or recessed section 21 of another unit piece 2 attaching to the adjacent face 11.
Certainly, the number of the unit pieces can be increased in accordance with the difficulty in assembly. FIGS. 5 and 6 show a second embodiment of the present invention, in which there are sixteen unit pieces 4. The unit pieces 4 are evenly assembled and attached to the faces 11 of the main body 1. The number of the unit pieces 4 is increased so that the number of the unit pieces 4 attaching to each face 11 is increased. Therefore, the recessed section 41A and projecting section 42A of the unit piece 4A positioned in the middle of the face 11 will not cover the adjacent face 11. However, one of the recessed section 41 and projecting section 42 of the unit piece 4 positioned on the periphery of the face 11 will still cover the adjacent face 11 of the main body 1. In addition, the recessed section 41 or projecting section 42 covering the adjacent face 11 is inserted with the corresponding projecting section 42A or recessed section 41A of the unit piece 4A in the middle of the adjacent face 11.
The engaging structures serve to fix the unit pieces 2 on the faces 11 of the main body 1. In this embodiment, the engaging structures include multiple engaging holes 31 formed on the faces 11 of the main body 1 and multiple engaging bosses 32 formed on the faces of the unit pieces 2, which faces are attached to the main body 1. The engaging bosses 32 correspond to the engaging holes 31 and can be engaged in the engaging holes 31 to fix the unit pieces 2 on the faces 11 of the main body 1. Alternatively, the engaging structures can be magnetic structures. Iron plates can be disposed on the faces of the main body and magnets are disposed on the faces of the unit pieces, which faces are attached to the main body. Accordingly, by means of magnetic attraction, the unit pieces can be fixedly attached to the faces of the main body.
In the above embodiments, the main body is cubic body with six faces. Alternatively, the main body can be a polyhedral body. FIGS. 7 and 8 show a third embodiment of the present invention, in which the main body 5 is a close polyhedral body having multiple polygonal faces 51. The main body 5 substantially has a form of a spherical body. More unit pieces 2 can be sequentially assembled and attached to the faces 51 of the main body 5 to completely enclose the outer surface of the main body 5.
In order to make the appearance of the puzzle more live to attract consumers, the unit pieces are previously printed with various pictures with different colors.
When assembled, as shown in FIG. 2, the engaging boss 31 of one unit piece 2 is inserted in the engaging hole 31 of one face 11 of the main body 1 so as to attach the unit piece 2 onto the face 11. Then the other unit pieces 2 are adaptively sequentially attached to the other faces 11 of the main body 1 with the recessed sections 21 and projecting sections 22 fitted with each other. Accordingly, the outer surface of the main body 1 can be totally enclosed as shown in FIG. 1. In the assembling procedure, entertaining effect and educational function are achieved.
Moreover, the main body is a cubic body or polyhedral body and the unit pieces are assembled and attached to the faces of the main body to complete a solid pattern. Such assembling procedure is liver and can achieve more entertaining effect. In addition, the positions of the unit pieces are exchangeable so that the combination/permutation of the unit pieces are variable. Accordingly, it is more funny and challengeable to assemble the unit pieces.
Furthermore, the unit pieces are formed with engaging structures so that after assembled and attached, the unit pieces will not detach from the main body. Therefore, the assembly is facilitated and after completed, the puzzle can be conveniently carried and readily reassembled.
Besides, the main body is composed of a first hollow half body and a second hollow half body which are associated by way of insertion. Therefore, the main body has an internal receiving space in which the unit pieces can be stored without missing. Also, it is more convenient to carry the puzzle.
In addition, the unit pieces are attached to the faces of the main body and supported by the main body. Therefore, in the case that one of the unit pieces misses, the other unit pieces can be still assembled and attached to the main body.
The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention, not intended to limit the scope thereof. Many modifications of the above embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A solid puzzle comprising a solid polyhedral main body having multiple faces, multiple unit pieces which can be assembled and attached to the faces of the main body by way of insertion and engaging structures for fixing the unit pieces on the faces of the main body, wherein the main body has a certain volume and several faces and each unit piece has a form of a polygon, by means of the engaging structures, the unit pieces being assembled and attached to the faces of the main body, each unit piece having at least one recessed section and at least one projecting section, the shape of the projecting section being complementary to the shape of the recessed section, one of the recessed section and projecting section of at least one unit piece attaching to at least one face of the main body covering an adjacent face, the recessed section or projecting section covering the adjacent face being inserted with the corresponding projecting section or recessed section of another unit piece attaching to the adjacent face.

2. The solid puzzle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body is a cubic body with six faces adjacent to each other.

3. The solid puzzle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body is a close polyhedral body having multiple polygonal faces, the main body substantially having a form of a spherical body.

4. The solid puzzle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body is composed of a first hollow half body and a second hollow half body which are associated by way of insertion, whereby an internal receiving space is defined in the main body.

5. The solid puzzle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second half bodies are respectively formed with engaging sections for engaging the first and second half bodies with each other to form a complete solid polyhedral main body.

6. The solid puzzle as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least two unit pieces are attached to each face of the main body, whereby one of the recessed section and projecting section of each unit piece attaching to each face of the main body will cover an adjacent face, the recessed section or projecting section covering the adjacent face being inserted with the corresponding projecting section or recessed section of another unit piece attaching to the adjacent face.

7. The solid puzzle as claimed in claim 1, wherein several unit pieces are attached to each face of the main body, whereby the recessed section and projecting section of the unit piece positioned in the middle of the face of the main body will not cover the adjacent face, while one of the recessed section and projecting section of the unit piece positioned on the periphery of the face will still cover the adjacent face of the main body, the recessed section or projecting section covering the adjacent face being inserted with the corresponding projecting section or recessed section of the unit piece in the middle of the adjacent face.

8. The solid puzzle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engaging structures include multiple engaging holes formed on the faces of the main body and multiple engaging bosses formed on the faces of the unit pieces, which faces are attached to the main body, the engaging bosses corresponding to the engaging holes, whereby the engaging bosses can be engaged in the engaging holes to fix the unit pieces on the faces of the main body.