US20180085662A1

US20180085662A1 - Three-dimensional puzzle having c-shaped members

Info

Publication number: US20180085662A1
Application number: US15/717,567
Authority: US
Inventors: Richard Esterle
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-09-27
Filing date: 2017-09-27
Publication date: 2018-03-29

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments of a three-dimensional puzzle having C-shaped members are provided. For example, a three-dimensional puzzle can be provided including a first, second and third C-shaped member each having a first end and an opposing second end, and a first bulbous portion provided on the first end and a second bulbous portion provided on the second end of each C-shaped member, the first and second bulbous portions of the third C-shaped member are each configured to be in contact with and secured against the first and second bulbous portions of the first and second C-shaped members such that the first, second and third C-shaped members are held together independently.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/400,319 filed Sep. 27, 2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to exemplary embodiments of a three-dimensional puzzle, and more particularly, to exemplary embodiments of a three-dimensional puzzle having C-shaped members.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

A puzzle is a game that requires ingenuity, logic and persistence in assembling or solving. In a basic puzzle, one is intended to piece together objects (puzzle pieces) in a logical way, in order to come up with the desired shape, picture or solution. Puzzles are often contrived as a form of entertainment, and they can also stem from mathematical or logical problems. The intellectual challenge involves assembly of numerous small, often oddly shaped, interlocking and tessellating pieces.

SUMMARY OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

Exemplary embodiments of a three-dimensional puzzle having C-shaped members with bulbous ends are provided. In some exemplary embodiments, a three-dimensional puzzle can be provided, comprising a first C-shaped member having a first end and an opposing second end, the first C-shaped member having a first bulbous portion provided on the first end and a second bulbous portion provided on the second end of the first C-shaped member, a second C-shaped member having a first end and an opposing second end, the second C-shaped member having a first bulbous portion provided on the first end and a second bulbous portion provided on the second end of the second C-shaped member, and a third C-shaped member having a first end and an opposing second end, the third C-shaped member having a first bulbous portion provided on the first end and a second bulbous portion provided on the second end of the third C-shaped member, the first and second bulbous portions of the third C-shaped member are each configured to be in contact with and secured against the first and second bulbous portions of the first and second C-shaped members such that the first, second and third C-shaped members are held together independently.
The first and second bulbous portions of the first, second and third C-shaped members can have a spherical shape. The first and second bulbous portions of the first, second and third C-shaped members can have a substantially identical size and shape. The first, second and third C-shaped members can have a curved body.
In some exemplary embodiments, the first and second bulbous portions of the first C-shaped member can be provided along a first axis, the first and second bulbous portions of the second C-shaped member can be provided along a second axis, and the first and second bulbous portions of the third C-shaped member can be provided along a third axis when the first and second bulbous portions of the third C-shaped member are in contact with and secured against the first and second bulbous portions of the first and second C-shaped members. The surfaces of the bulbous portions can be rotatable with respect to each other when the first and second bulbous portions of the third C-shaped member are in contact with and secured against the first and second bulbous portions of the first and second C-shaped members.
In some exemplary embodiments, the three-dimensional puzzle can further comprise one or more jigs configured to retain at least one bulbous portion of the first C-shaped member and at least one bulbous portion of the second C-shaped member. Each of the one or more jigs can have a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion each configured to receive and secure a bulbous portion of a different C-shaped member. Each receiving portion of the one or more jigs can comprise one or more upwardly extending curved walls configured to secure a bulbous portion of a C-shaped member. Each receiving portion can have four upwardly extending curved walls.
In some exemplary embodiments, a three-dimensional puzzle can be provided, comprising a first C-shaped member having a first end and an opposing second end, the first C-shaped member having a first bulbous portion provided on the first end and a second bulbous portion provided on the second end of the first C-shaped member, a second C-shaped member having a first end and an opposing second end, the second C-shaped member having a first bulbous portion provided on the first end and a second bulbous portion provided on the second end of the second C-shaped member, and a vertical post having a first end and an opposing second end, the vertical post having a first bulbous portion provided on the first end and a second bulbous portion provided on the second end of the vertical post, the first and second bulbous portions of the vertical post are each configured to be in contact with and secured against the first and second bulbous portions of the first and second C-shaped members such that the vertical post, first C-shaped member and second C-shaped member are held together independently.
The first and second bulbous portions of the vertical post, first C-shaped member and second C-shaped member can have a spherical shape. The first and second bulbous portions of the vertical post, first C-shaped member and second C-shaped member can have a substantially identical size and shape. The first and second C-shaped members can have a curved body.
In some exemplary embodiments, the first and second bulbous portions of the first C-shaped member can be provided along a first axis, the first and second bulbous portions of the second C-shaped member can be provided along a second axis, and the first and second bulbous portions of the vertical post can be provided along a third axis when the first and second bulbous portions of the vertical post are in contact with and secured against the first and second bulbous portions of the first and second C-shaped members. The surfaces of the bulbous portions can be rotatable with respect to each other when the first and second bulbous portions of the vertical post are in contact with and secured against the first and second bulbous portions of the first and second C-shaped members.
In some exemplary embodiments, the three-dimensional puzzle can further comprise one or more jigs configured to retain at least one bulbous portion of the first C-shaped member and at least one bulbous portion of the second C-shaped member. Each of the one or more jigs can have a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion each configured to receive and secure a bulbous portion of a different C-shaped member. Each receiving portion of the one or more jigs can comprise one or more upwardly extending curved walls configured to secure a bulbous portion of a C-shaped member.
In some exemplary embodiments, a method of solving a three-dimensional puzzle can be provided, comprising aligning a first C-shaped member having a first end with a first bulbous portion and an opposing second end with a second bulbous portion in a first axis, aligning a second C-shaped member having a first end with a first bulbous portion and an opposing second end with a second bulbous portion in a second axis, and aligning a third C-shaped member having a first end with a first bulbous portion and an opposing second end with a second bulbous portion in a third axis, such that the first and second bulbous portions of the third C-shaped member are each in contact with and secured against the first and second bulbous portions of the first C-shaped member and the first and second bulbous portions of the second C-shaped member, holding together the first, second and third C-shaped members independently.
In some exemplary embodiments, a kit can be provided, comprising a first C-shaped member having a first end and an opposing second end, the first C-shaped member having a first bulbous portion provided on the first end and a second bulbous portion provided on the second end of the first C-shaped member, a second C-shaped member having a first end and an opposing second end, the second C-shaped member having a first bulbous portion provided on the first end and a second bulbous portion provided on the second end of the second C-shaped member, a third C-shaped member having a first end and an opposing second end, the third C-shaped member having a first bulbous portion provided on the first end and a second bulbous portion provided on the second end of the third C-shaped member, each of the bulbous portions of the first, second and third C-shaped members in contact with and secured against one or more other bulbous portions of the first, second and third C-shaped members, such that the first, second and third C-shaped members hold together independently.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects of the present disclosure will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a C-shaped member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of first and second C-shaped members according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of first and second C-shaped members engaged according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of first, second and third C-shaped members engaged according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 5-9 are illustrations of 6 C-shaped members being engaged according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are illustrations of an alternative embodiment of a puzzle with a post and 5 C-shaped members being engaged according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 12-15 are illustrations of an alternative embodiment of a puzzle with a cube and 3 C-shaped members being engaged according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is an illustration of a puzzle 10 having C-shaped members with different sized bodies according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 17 and 18 are illustrations of an alternative embodiment of a puzzle having members with double handles according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 19 and 20 are illustrations of alternative embodiments of C-shaped members having alternative shapes and designs.

Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals and characters, unless otherwise stated, are used to denote like features, elements, components or portions of the illustrated embodiments. Moreover, while the subject disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the figures, it is done so in connection with the illustrative embodiments. It is intended that changes and modifications can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the subject disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF DISCLOSURE

The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can provide for various configurations of a puzzle using numerous C-shaped members. Exemplary embodiments of the puzzle will now be described with reference to the figures.
FIG. 1 is an illustration of a C-shaped member 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The C-shaped member 100 can have a curved or partially curved body 110 resembling a C-shape. A bulbous portion 120 can be provided at a first end 115 of the curved body 110, and a bulbous portion 130 can be provided at a second end 125 of the curved body 110. The C-shaped member 100 can have various shapes, and can have straight portions rather than a curved body, a combination of straight and curved portions, and can have a cross-section of any shape, e.g., circular or rectangular. The bulbous portions 120 and 130 can have a spherical shape, a ball-shape, a cube-shape, polygonal shapes or any other type of shape. The C-shaped member, including the curved body and bulbous portions can be made of any material or combination of materials, including but not limited to glass, paper, wood, plastic, metal or any combination thereof.
FIG. 2 is an illustration of a first C-shaped member 100 and a second C-shaped member 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The C-shaped member 200 can be similar to the C-shaped member 100 and can have a curved body 210 resembling a C-shape, and a bulbous portion 220 can be provided at a first end 215 of the curved body 210, and a bulbous portion 230 can be provided at a second end 225 of the curved body 210. The C-shaped member 100 can be placed so that the bulbous portions 120 and 130 are provided in a y-axis as shown and the C-shaped member 200 can be placed so that bulbous portions 220 and 230 are provided in an x-axis as shown.
FIG. 3 is an illustration of first and second C-shaped members engaged according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, the C-shaped member 200 is placed so that the bulbous portions 120 and 130 each contact the bulbous portions 220 and 230. As seen, a surface of each bulbous portion contacts at least the surfaces of at least two other bulbous portions. That is, bulbous portions 120 and 130 are each in contact with bulbous portions 220 and 230.
FIG. 4 is an illustration of first, second and third C-shaped members engaged according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. A C-shaped member 300 can be similar to the C-shaped members 100 and 200, and can have a curved body 310 resembling a C-shape, and a bulbous portion or ball 320 can be provided at a first end of the curved body 210, and a bulbous portion or ball 330 (not shown) can be provided at a second end of the curved body 310. The C-shaped member 300 can have the bulbous portions 320 and 330 provided in a z-axis as shown, and placed approximate to the C-shaped members 100 and 200.
All three C-shaped members can be of an identical or substantially identical size and shape, including the body and the bulbous portions. In some exemplary embodiments, the bulbous portions of all three C-shaped members can be of an identical or substantially identical size and shape, while the lengths of the bodies of the three C-shaped members can vary. In some exemplary embodiments, the bulbous portions of all three C-shaped members can vary in size or shape. For example, the size of one or more of the bulbous portions in one C-shaped member can range in size such as 0.5 to 1.5 times the size of the bulbous portions in the other C-shaped members.
In use, the C-shaped members 100 and 200 can be held in place so that the C-shaped member 300 can be placed in such a configuration so that a surface of the bulbous portions 320 and 330 each contact a surface of each bulbous portion (120, 130, 220, 230) of the C-shaped members 100 and 200. In this configuration, the device or puzzle 10 can be secured so that the C-shaped members do not come apart due to the interlocking of the bulbous portions of the C-shaped members, and the curved bodies 110, 210 and 310 can rotate in a direction m with respect to each other as shown. There is a snug fit of the bulbous portions such that they can be pried apart but otherwise stay together.
In some exemplary embodiments, more than 3 C-shaped members can be configured to be placed around each other. FIGS. 5-9 are illustrations of 6 C-shaped members being engaged according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, 6 C-shaped members 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 can be provided having a similar or identical shape and configuration as the C-shaped members described above.
Jigs 700 can be used to secure and hold the bulbous portions of respective C-shaped members during the assembly of the puzzle. Each jig 700 can have two or more receiving portions 710. The receiving portions 710 can be provided by upwardly extending thin curved walls 720. In some exemplary embodiments, each receiving portion 710 is configured by four upwardly extending curved walls 720. Each receiving portion 710 is configured to snugly receive and frictionally secure a bulbous portion of a C-shaped member. In some exemplary embodiments, each jig 700 is used to hold a bulbous portion of a C-shaped member and a bulbous portion of a separate C-shaped member, to hold the C-shaped members in place while the user attempts to secure other C-shaped members as described below. The jigs 700 can be made of any material or combination of materials, including but not limited to glass, paper, wood, plastic, metal or any combination thereof.
As shown in FIG. 6, jigs 700 can be used to hold bulbous portions of C-shaped members 100 and 200. For example, one jig 700 is used to hold a first bulbous portion of C-shaped member 100 and a first bulbous portion of C-shaped member 200, to hold the C-shaped members in place, while another jig 700 is used to hold a second bulbous portion of C-shaped member 100 and a second bulbous portion of C-shaped member 200. The curved receiving portions 710 of the jigs 700 allow the bulbous members of the C-shaped members to freely rotate when placed within the receiving portions 710.
As shown in FIG. 7(a), additional jigs 700 can be further used to secure C-shaped members 300 and 400 to the C-shaped members 100 and 200 as shown. The additional jigs can be used to hold a bulbous portion of C-shaped member 300 with a bulbous portion of C-shaped member 400. The planes shown in FIG. 7(b) provide the direction of each of the C-shaped members to secure the 4 C-shaped members together. As shown in FIG. 8, a C-shaped member 500 is attached to the four C-shaped members 100-400. A jig 700 can be used to secure the C-shaped member 500, but may not be needed to secure the C-shaped member 500. As shown in FIG. 9, a C-shaped member 600 can now be secured to the five C-shaped members 100-500. A jig may not be needed to secure the C-shaped member 600. The jigs 700 can be optionally used to hold certain C-shaped members in position while the user attaches other C-shaped members.
FIGS. 10 and 11 are illustrations of an alternative embodiment of a puzzle with a post and 5 C-shaped members being engaged according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, a post 800 can be used with 5 C-shaped members 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500, as shown in FIG. 10. The post 800 can have a substantially straight body 810, and a bulbous portion 820 and bulbous portion 830 similar to the bulbous portions of the C-shaped members described above. The same manner of connecting the C-shaped members with the post 800 can be used as described above with respect to FIGS. 5-9, with the post 800 being used as the first C-shaped member and the remaining being put in place as described above with respect to C-shaped members 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600. The fully assembled puzzle is shown in FIG. 11. Jigs 700 can optionally be used to secure the C-shaped members to the post 800 and other C-shaped members.
In some exemplary embodiments, C-shaped members can be used with a cube of bulbous portions. FIGS. 12-15 are illustrations of an alternative embodiment of a puzzle with a cube and 3 C-shaped members being engaged according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 12, a cube 900 can be provided having 8 bulbous portions and 3 C-shaped members 100, 200 and 300 are provided having bulbous portions similar to the bulbous portions of the C-shaped members described above. As shown in FIG. 13, C-shaped member 100 can be attached to the cube 900 along a first axis. As shown in FIG. 14, C-shaped member 200 can be attached to the cube 900 along a second axis. As shown in FIG. 15, C-shaped member 300 can be attached to the cube 900 along a third axis. Jigs 700 can optionally be used to secure the C-shaped members to other C-shaped members. The bodies of the 3 C-shaped members can be rotated with respect to the cube once assembled as shown.
FIG. 16 is an illustration of a puzzle 10 having C-shaped members with different sized bodies according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, one C-shaped member 300 can have a handle portion 390. A C-shaped member 100 can have bulbous portions 120 and 130 that engage with the bulbous portions of C-shaped member 300. In this embodiment, the space between the bulbous portions of C-shaped member 100 and C-shaped member 300 can be greater so that a “rattling” effect is provided when shaking the handle portion 390.
FIGS. 17 and 18 are illustrations of an alternative embodiment of a puzzle having members with double handles according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 17, a member 400 can be provided having a handle 410 (which can resemble a C-shape) and a handle 420 (which can resemble a C-shape). The ends of the handles 410 and 420 can connect bulbous portions 430 and 440. A member 500 can be provided having a handle 510 (which can resemble a C-shape) and a handle 520 (which can resemble a C-shape). The ends of the handles 510 and 520 can connect bulbous portions 530 and 540. A member 600 can be provided having a handle 610 (which can resemble a C-shape) and a handle 620 (which can resemble a C-shape). The ends of the handles 610 and 620 can connect bulbous portions 630 and 640. In some exemplary embodiments, the handles can be removable from the bulbous portions. As shown in FIG. 18, the members 400, 500 and 600 can be joined and rotated along directions m along the x, y and z axis. In some exemplary embodiments, the space between the bulbous portions of the members 400, 500 and 600 can be greater so that a “rattling” effect can be provided.
Various other considerations can also be addressed in the exemplary applications described according to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, various materials can be used to construct the elements described in the figures. Various sizes and dimensions of the elements, including the bodies and bulbous portions, can be provided, as well as shapes for the bodies and bulbous portions. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the C-shaped members 100, 200 and 300 can have bulbous portions 120, 130, 220, 230, 320 and 330 that have alternative shapes, e.g., faceted ball ends. As shown in FIG. 20, the handles 110 and 210 of the C-shaped members 100, 200 can have various shapes. Various lengths of the bodies and posts can be provided. Different colors can be provided for the bodies and bulbous portions of the C-shaped members, posts and cubes to provide different challenges and puzzles for users.
The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the disclosure. Various modifications and alterations to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous systems, arrangements, manufacture and methods which, although not explicitly shown or described herein, embody the principles of the disclosure and are thus within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A three-dimensional puzzle, comprising:

a first C-shaped member having a first end and an opposing second end, the first C-shaped member having a first bulbous portion provided on the first end and a second bulbous portion provided on the second end of the first C-shaped member;

a second C-shaped member having a first end and an opposing second end, the second C-shaped member having a first bulbous portion provided on the first end and a second bulbous portion provided on the second end of the second C-shaped member; and

a third C-shaped member having a first end and an opposing second end, the third C-shaped member having a first bulbous portion provided on the first end and a second bulbous portion provided on the second end of the third C-shaped member, the first and second bulbous portions of the third C-shaped member are each configured to be in contact with and secured against the first and second bulbous portions of the first and second C-shaped members such that the first, second and third C-shaped members are held together independently.

2. The three-dimensional puzzle according to claim 1, wherein the first and second bulbous portions of the first, second and third C-shaped members have a spherical shape.

3. The three-dimensional puzzle according to claim 1, wherein the first and second bulbous portions of the first, second and third C-shaped members have a substantially identical size and shape.

4. The three-dimensional puzzle according to claim 1, wherein the first, second and third C-shaped members have a curved body.

5. The three-dimensional puzzle according to claim 1, wherein the first and second bulbous portions of the first C-shaped member are provided along a first axis, the first and second bulbous portions of the second C-shaped member are provided along a second axis, and the first and second bulbous portions of the third C-shaped member are provided along a third axis when the first and second bulbous portions of the third C-shaped member are in contact with and secured against the first and second bulbous portions of the first and second C-shaped members.

6. The three-dimensional puzzle according to claim 5, wherein the surfaces of the bulbous portions are rotatable with respect to each other when the first and second bulbous portions of the third C-shaped member are in contact with and secured against the first and second bulbous portions of the first and second C-shaped members.

7. The three-dimensional puzzle according to claim 1, further comprising:

one or more jigs configured to retain at least one bulbous portion of the first C-shaped member and at least one bulbous portion of the second C-shaped member.

8. The three-dimensional puzzle according to claim 7, wherein each of the one or more jigs has a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion each configured to receive and secure a bulbous portion of a different C-shaped member.

9. The three-dimensional puzzle according to claim 8, wherein each receiving portion of the one or more jigs comprises one or more upwardly extending curved walls configured to secure a bulbous portion of a C-shaped member.

10. The three-dimensional puzzle according to claim 9, wherein each receiving portion has four upwardly extending curved walls.

11. A three-dimensional puzzle, comprising:

a vertical post having a first end and an opposing second end, the vertical post having a first bulbous portion provided on the first end and a second bulbous portion provided on the second end of the vertical post, the first and second bulbous portions of the vertical post are each configured to be in contact with and secured against the first and second bulbous portions of the first and second C-shaped members such that the vertical post, first C-shaped member and second C-shaped member are held together independently.

12. The three-dimensional puzzle according to claim 11, wherein the first and second bulbous portions of the vertical post, first C-shaped member and second C-shaped member have a spherical shape.

13. The three-dimensional puzzle according to claim 11, wherein the first and second bulbous portions of the vertical post, first C-shaped member and second C-shaped member have a substantially identical size and shape.

14. The three-dimensional puzzle according to claim 11, wherein the first and second C-shaped members have a curved body.

15. The three-dimensional puzzle according to claim 11, wherein the first and second bulbous portions of the first C-shaped member are provided along a first axis, the first and second bulbous portions of the second C-shaped member are provided along a second axis, and the first and second bulbous portions of the vertical post are provided along a third axis when the first and second bulbous portions of the vertical post are in contact with and secured against the first and second bulbous portions of the first and second C-shaped members.

16. The three-dimensional puzzle according to claim 15, wherein the surfaces of the bulbous portions are rotatable with respect to each other when the first and second bulbous portions of the vertical post are in contact with and secured against the first and second bulbous portions of the first and second C-shaped members.

17. The three-dimensional puzzle according to claim 11, further comprising:

18. The three-dimensional puzzle according to claim 17, wherein each of the one or more jigs has a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion each configured to receive and secure a bulbous portion of a different C-shaped member.

19. The three-dimensional puzzle according to claim 18, wherein each receiving portion of the one or more jigs comprises one or more upwardly extending curved walls configured to secure a bulbous portion of a C-shaped member.

20. A method of solving a three-dimensional puzzle, comprising:

aligning a first C-shaped member having a first end with a first bulbous portion and an opposing second end with a second bulbous portion in a first axis;

aligning a second C-shaped member having a first end with a first bulbous portion and an opposing second end with a second bulbous portion in a second axis; and

aligning a third C-shaped member having a first end with a first bulbous portion and an opposing second end with a second bulbous portion in a third axis, such that the first and second bulbous portions of the third C-shaped member are each in contact with and secured against the first and second bulbous portions of the first C-shaped member and the first and second bulbous portions of the second C-shaped member, holding together the first, second and third C-shaped members independently.

21. A kit comprising:

a second C-shaped member having a first end and an opposing second end, the second C-shaped member having a first bulbous portion provided on the first end and a second bulbous portion provided on the second end of the second C-shaped member;

a third C-shaped member having a first end and an opposing second end, the third C-shaped member having a first bulbous portion provided on the first end and a second bulbous portion provided on the second end of the third C-shaped member;

each of the bulbous portions of the first, second and third C-shaped members in contact with and secured against one or more other bulbous portions of the first, second and third C-shaped members, such that the first, second and third C-shaped members hold together independently.