Puzzles and toys (II)
OwnerMichael R. Smithinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A magnetic toy or puzzle comprising a plurality of essentially two-dimensional pieces that may be assembled to form a hollow three-dimensional object. Each piece has at least three edges, and a magnet is mounted along each edge of each piece to allow the edges of the pieces to be joined together. The magnets are preferably keyed to allow: (a) only certain edges to attach to each other; or (b) the edges of the pieces to fit together in only one orientation. The magnets allow the edges to be joined in certain configurations to obtain the three-dimensional object. A holder for the puzzle pieces is provided that adds additional puzzle possibilities.
Claims10
A combination of:
- a. a plurality of pieces, each piece having at least three edges, where attachment means are so formed on the edges that the pieces may be joined together to construct a completed form;
- and
- b. a holder having first and second plates held in a spaced apart relation by a plurality of support members, where the plates and support members are arranged such that the pieces can be stored individually in the holder in a stacked configuration and can be stored in the holder joined together as the completed form with the support members extending through the completed form.
A method of assembling a three-dimensional puzzle, comprising the steps of:
- a. providing a plurality of pieces, each piece having at least three edges;
- b. forming attachment means on the edges such that the pieces may be joined together to construct a completed form;
- and
- c. providing a holder having first and second plates held in a spaced apart relation by a plurality of support members;
- d. stacking the pieces in the holder in a stacked configuration;
- e. removing the pieces from the holder;
- f. assembling the pieces into the completed form separate from the holder;
- g. assembling the pieces into the completed form such that the support members extend between at least two of the pieces;
- and
- h. restacking the pieces in the holder in the stacked configuration.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.