Spherical puzzle toy

Abstract

A spherical puzzle toy has a central member with four radial shanks defining respective axes intersecting at a common point representing a center of a spherical surface of the puzzle toy. Mounted on the central member are first and second groups of shaped bodies which collectively form the outer spherical surface of the toy. The first group of bodies is comprised of four identical bodies each having an inner portion respectively secured on the shanks of the central member in radial extension thereof and an outer portion forming a first part of the spherical surface of the puzzle toy. The inner portion has a tapered form with radial surfaces, while the outer portion has a spherical triangular shape. The second group of bodies are slidably supported by the first group of bodies and include inner portions of tapered form with radial surfaces which are slidable on one another and on the radial surfaces of the first group of bodies. The second group of bodies is of two types; one including outer portions of spherical triangular shape, while the other includes outer portions of spherical square shape. The outer portions undergo a relative change of position on the spherical surface when the bodies of the second group are slidably moved relative to the bodies of the first group. Various surface ornamentations can be provided on the spherical surface requiring skill and dexterity for realizing a determined configuration.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.