WO1982002340A1

WO1982002340A1 - Spatial logical toy

Info

Publication number: WO1982002340A1
Application number: PCT/HU1982/000001
Authority: WO
Inventors: Valto Es Hitelbank Innovacios Alap Koezponti
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1981-01-05
Filing date: 1982-01-05
Publication date: 1982-07-22
Anticipated expiration: 1983-07-05
Also published as: EP0068009A1

Abstract

Jouet formant un volume consistant en solides fixes les uns aux autres de telle facon qu'ils puissent tourner les uns par rapport aux autres. Les solides dont les faces exposees constituent les parties elementaires de la surface de jeu sont concus de facon a pouvoir tourner par groupes autour de l'axe passant par le centre geometrique des surfaces de jeu et qui est perpendiculaire a ces dernieres. Les solides peuvent etre disposes et redisposes, les axes de rotation des groupes de solides formant la(les) surface(s) de jeu se recoupant en seul point. Les solides cooperent avec la surface spherique d'une piece monobloc et le centre de la surface spherique coincide avec le point d'intersection des axes des groupes de solides formant les surfaces de jeu. Les solides et la surface spherique peuvent cooperer par des moyens magnetiques ou mecaniques. La surface spherique peut etre disposee a l'interieur ou a l'exterieur des solides.Toy forming a volume consisting of solids fixed to each other so that they can rotate with respect to each other. The solids whose exposed faces constitute the elementary parts of the playing surface are designed so as to be able to rotate in groups around the axis passing through the geometric center of the playing surfaces and which is perpendicular to the latter. The solids can be arranged and rearranged, the axes of rotation of the groups of solids forming the playing surface (s) intersecting at a single point. The solids cooperate with the spherical surface of a single piece and the center of the spherical surface coincides with the point of intersection of the axes of the groups of solids forming the playing surfaces. The solids and the spherical surface can cooperate by magnetic means or mechanical. The spherical surface can be arranged inside or outside the solids.

Description

Spatiol Logical Toy

Technical field

The invention relates to a spatial logical toy consisting of solids having been mutually fixed in such a manner, as to be rotated relative to one another; the solids exposing the single parts of the playsurface are adapted to rotate in groups around the axis having been arranged in the geometrical centre of the playsurface(s) and lying oerpendicularly to the same; the solids can be arranged and rearranged, while the axes of rotation of the groups of solids forming the playsυrface(s) of the toy are intersecting one another in a single point .

Background art

A spatial logical toy of this type has been described in the Hungarian Patent KU-P5 170 062. With this solution eight or twentyseven solids are assembled to form a closed cubiform or spherical surface, expediently a sphere, which are engaged with' further connecting elements . With the cube having been assembled of twentyseven solids - serving as an example - the solids on the corners are formed so, as to contain also the external surface-parts of a spherical surface, while the elements lying in the edge-centres and in the face-centres are formed with the internal surface-parts of a sphere of the same radius, accordingly, when properly fitted, they can be rotated on one another. In order to ensure structural integrity of the large cube, i. e. to prevent disassembly, the solids being arranged in the face-centres, are elastically fixed to a small cube being arranged in the middle of the large cube but without restriction of rotational freedom around their own axes .

With this solution , however, the internal spherical ports formed on the single solids do not form an organic integrity but the sp here can be assembled of the parts having been arranged on the single solids. Essentially, the solids are interconnected by fitting the spherical surfacial parts into and to each other, respectively.

A further problem is involved in establishing patterns of a different composition by means of the solution according to the cited patent, so e. g. in case of eight solids forming the outer surfacial parts, further eighteen connecting elements are needed resulting in an utmost complicated structure.

Disclosure of Invention The invention is based on the recognition that in case, if the spherical surface is made of one single piece and the solids are fixed to said spherical surface by means of extensions protruding into and being slideable in the channels having been formed on the spherical surface resp. on the solids and which are engaged with the solids i. e. with the spherical surface by means of pins or between the spherical surface and the solids the adhesive engagement is provided by magnetic means, the formation of several kinds of spatial logical toys becomes possible in a considerably easier manner, than with the known solutions. Consequently, in accordance with the invention the solids are in engagement with a single_piece spherical surface, whereby the centre of the spherical surface is arranged in the point of intersection of the axes of rotation of the groups of solids forming the playsurface(s), In the present specification under a "one-piece spherical surface" a surface is meant, the area of which is provided with channels or the surface is formed with perforations, gaps, intermissions, holes or any other discontinuities; as a consequence, the surfacial parts may restrict to surfacial points, furtheron, to a part of the surface other bodies may be attached or a certain cart or parts of the spherical surface may be formed as an integer part of other surfaces, however, the remanent surfacial parts or points, which cannot be displaced in relation to one another, are forming a spherical surface.

Brief Description of Drawings

The invention will be described in details by means of preferred embodiements, in reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 is an "exploded" (dismounted) view of a preferred embodiment in form of a cube assembled of eight solids having been engaged with magnetic means; for graphic-technical reasons the drawing is showing four solids only.

Fig. 2 is a cube having been assembled of fifty-sic solids, giving a section through one of the extreme planes of rotation, with the spherical surface having been built together with the corner solids, Fig. 3 is a further embodiment of the cube according to figure 1, wherein the large cube is cut into totally sixteen solids along the planes having been formed by the two diagonals of one of the faces, going across the face-centre and by the straight running perpendicularly to said face, as planes of rotation,

Fig. 4 is a further embodiment of the large cube according to Fig. 1, with which the large cube is cut into totally sixteen solids by further two planes of rotation running parallel with one of the faces, Fig. 5 is a section of one of the corner solids having been provided with a pair of magnetic poles serving for adhesion, Fig. 6 is a section through one of the plane or rotation of the large cube consisting of eight solids, orovided with extensions serving for connection,

Fig. 7 is a view of the arrangement of the channels on the embodiment according to the invention, illustrated in Fig. 6, Fig. 3 illustrates an internal spherical surface with the pitch circles of the channels thereon, Fig. 9 is the spatial view of the internal spherical surface illustrated in Fig. 7 with the circular pitches of the channels thereon.

Fig. 10 is a solid with an extension.

Fig. 11 is an extension being connected by means of a spring to the solid, Fig. 12 is a part of the spherical surface fixed by the spring to the solid,

Fig. 13 shows the internal spherical surface with three channels with meridian pitch circles lying perpendicularly to one another, Fig. 14 shows the solids to be guided in the channels according to Fig. 13,

Fig. 15 is an embodiment with solids being arranged within an outer spherical surface. Fig. 16 shows an embodiment where the solids being arranged within the outer spherical surface are of the shape of slices of orange.

Best Mode of Carrying out the Invention

With the embodiment according to figure 1, between eight solids 1 appearing as a cube seen from outside (out of which for graphictechnical reasons only four have been illustrated without the interconnections inbetween), an internal one-piece spherical surface 2 is arranged. Essentially, the solids 1 are of cubiform, with a cut-out cavity needed for the spherical surface 2. One of the solids 1 is formed so, as to form an integral entirety with the spherical surface 2, with other words, it forms a one-piece unit therewith. All the other solids 1 are formed inside with the surfacial part 3 of the sphere, the radius of which corresponds to the radius of the spherical surface 2. One of the faces each of the large cube 4 having been assembled of the eight solids 1 is forming the playsurface 6 consisting of the quadratic surfacial parts 5 comprising four Faces each of the solids 1. In the face-centre of the quadratic playsurface 6, the four faces each of the solids 1 belonging to the playsurface 6 may be rotated around the axes lying perpendicularly to the playsurfaces 6. Said axes of rotation are intersecting each other in the centre of the large cube 4, while said centre is simultaneously forming the centre of the spherical surface 2 and the surfacial parts 3 of the sphere, respectively.

Dissimilarly to the embodiment to be seen in Fig. 1, the large cube 4 can be assembled of twentysix of fiftysix solids 1, as well as of a spherical surface 2 of the corresponding size. In the former case there are nine, in the latter one .sixteen surfacial parts 5 on the single faces; the group 7 of solids, formed of the nine and sixteen solids 1, respectively, belonging thereto, may be rotated by turning-off the playsurfaces 6 around the normals passing through the contre. of the large cube 4. In this case it seems to be expedient to form the eight solids 1 en the corners so, as to form an integral entirety, i. e. a monolithic (one-piece) unit with the spherical surface 2 (Fig. 2). The assembly of the large cube 4 of ninetyeight solids 1 becomes also possible. In this case there are twentyfive surfacial parts 5 arranged on the single faces and twentyfive of the solids 1 will form a group 7 of solids. With this solution the solids 1 are of different geometrical shape (cube, prism) in the single groups.

The solids 1 contained in the large cube 4 may be formed in such a manner too, that they do not show a cubiform, when seen from the outside. 5o e. g. the large cube 4 can be cut along the plane of the diagonals of two opposed sides lying perpendicularly to one another, in this case sixteen solids 1 will be obtained (Fig. 3).

According to another solution, the large cube 4 is divided into sixteen parts by the planes running parallel with two parallel faces of the large cube 4. Each group which shares one face of the assembly is expediently rotated by 130 in both cases, however, as a rotation by 90 is also possible, the play is rendered even more complicated (Fig. 4). It goes without saying that other modes of divisions are also possible, depending on the engagement of the solids 1 with the spherical surface 2.

Between the solids 1 and the spherical surface 2 engagement may be provided by magnetic means. In this case the shell of the spherical surfacial parts 3 are provided with the magnetic pole-pair(s) c ensuring adhesion, while the magnetic lines of force are closed through the shell of the spherical surfacial parts 3 having been made of soft magnetic material. The Fig. 5 is showing the section of such a solution. The magnetic pole-pair S consists of the magnetic dipole 9, the axis of which is running parallel with the tangent-plane of the spherical surfacial part 3 of the sphere, belonging to the given place and of the soft-iron armatures 10 each connected to the two poles of the dipole 9 and arranged perpendicularly to the tangent-plane of the spherical surfacial part 3 of the sphere, belonging to a given place. In case of a magnetic engagement it is not essential to assemble the spherical surface 2 with some solid 1.

The engagement between the solids 1 and the spherical surface 2 may be established by mechanical means. In this case on the spherical surface surface 2 there are the channels 12 forming a closed curve with a circular generatrix, i. e. the pitch circle 11, penetrating towards the centre of the spherical surface 2; in said channels 12 the extensions 14 are outstanding from the spherical surfacial parts 3 being connected to the spherical surfacial parts 3 by means of the pins 13. The width of the extensions 14 is dimensioned in compliance with the width of the channel 12, as to be able to slide them in the channels 12. At the same time, the openings 15 (groove-orifices) of the channels 12 are formed in such a manner, that outside of the extensions 14 could be prevented, but without the restriction of the movement of the pins 13, the width of which is less, than the width of the extensions 14. The arrangement of the channels 12 is to be seen in Fig. 6 illustrating the section of the large cube 4 consisting of eight solids 1, taken through one of the planes of rotation.

In the channels 12, between the extensions 14, there are either the distance-pieces 16 or the spring elements 17

- ensuring the arrested position of the extensions 14 - arranged. A solution of this kind is to be seen in Fig. 7.

The planes of the pitch circles 11 of the channels 12 are running parallel with the plane of rotation of the groups 7 of solids. Accordingly, if the single groups 7 of solids are rotated along the planes running parallel with the six faces of the large cube 4, the pitch circles 11 will be arranged on the spherical surface 2 in three planes or in a set of planes (Fig. 8). If the large cube 4 is assembled of eight solids 1 and one of the solids is connected with the spherical surface 2 in an immovable manner, three channels 12 with pitch circles 11 in planes lying perpendicularly to each other, intersecting one another on totally four places, are sufficient (Fig. 9).

In Fig. 10 the section of a solid 1 is to be seen, with which the extension 14 is rigidly fixed to the solid 1 by means of the pin 13. With a preferred embodiment of the invention the extension 14 is provided with a spring 10, accordingly, the solid 1 is elastically engaged with the spherical surface 2, as it is to be seen in Fig. 11. With a further preferred embodiment the extension 14 is rigidly connected with the solid 1, though with the difference, that the solid 1 and the spherical surfacial part 3 of the sphere are separated by means of a compression spring 19, as it is to be seen in Fig. 12. In case of the circular channels 12 intersecting each other, the most advantageous solution may be obtained with normal intersections; accordingly, in cases, when intersections are not always the normal ones - e. g. the solution having been illustrated in Fig. 3 - it seems to be more expedient to use the magnetic engagement. Besides, the engagement with magnetic means involves the considerable advantage, in so far as, while playing, the large cube 4 does not come to pieces, on the other hand, when out of game, it can be disassembled and assembled in an optional combination and from the basic position thus obtained, the game can be started again. In such a manner situations similar to chess problems may be established, where the object of manipulation is to produce another predetermined combination by transformations (steps) of predetermined number.

Each surfacial part 5 may have patterned or coloured surface (individually or in groups) and the task lies in e. g. to restore the playsurface 6 consisting of surfacial parts 5 of the same colour. The solid 1 may be formed so, that instead of one extension 14 according to Fig. 10 three extensions 14 are arranged on the solid 1, at the meeting point of the spherical surfacial part 3 of the sphere and the planar surfaces of the solids 1 being slideable on one another. In this case the extension 14 occupies only the half of the channel 12, the other half of the channel 12 is occupied by the similarly shaped extension 14 of the adjacent solid 1; such an embodiment - having been provided with the channels formed in the previously described manner - is to be seen in Fig. 13, while the view of a solid 1 being slideable in the channels 12 in Fig. 13, is illustrated in Fig. 14.

The spherical surface 2 may be arranged not only inside the solids 1 but also outside the solids 1. In this case the outer surface of the solids 1 is preferably formed as a sphere; the spherical surface 2 is provided with the openings 20; reaching in with the hand in said openings 20, the solids 1 can be turned-off. The inside of the solids 1 may be optionally shaped and can be provided with lightenings, the only requirement lies in that the solids 1 could properly slide on one another. Preferably, one of the solids 1 is formed as a single piece with the outer spherical surface 2 or at least it should be fixed rigidly to the same. The outer spherical surface 2 is made of a transparent material (see Fig. 15). According to another embodiment of the invention on the outer spherical surfacial part 3 of the solids 1 materials being suitable for a magnetic connection are arranged, so e. g. onto the spherical surface 2 s spherical zone 21 is placed, which may be slided or turned on the spherical surface 2; in or on the spherical zone 21 there are one or more magnets or elements being suitable for a magnetic connection arranged.

The solids 1 are of the shape of a halved slice of orange, this form is obtained in such a manner that the sphere consisting of the solids 1 is partly intersected by a plane passing through its centre, partly the sphere is intersected by planes lying perpendicularly to the first plane of intersection, while said planes are enclosing an angle of /n with one another ( see Fig. 16).

In order to be able to perform accurate adjustment, after having been turned-off, the solids 1, i. e. the group 7 of the solids are to be arrested in their position.

According to a preferred embodiment arrestment is to be performed, so, that on the inner surfaces of the solids 1 being mutually in contact an arresting boss 23 is arranged, which can be pushed in direction of the inside of the solids 1 against the force of a spring 22, while on the side feeing the boss 23 a notch 24 is formed. Preferably the boss 23 has the shape of a sphere (Fig. 15). In case, if the large cube 4 to be seen in Fig, 1 on each single surface of the solid 1 having been fixed onto the spherical surface 2 and sliding on the other solids, at least one boss 23 is placed, it seems to be sufficient to form only notches 24 on the contacting surfaces of the remaining solids 1, then the arrested rotation can be ensured in any rotated position. In a similar manner, the arrestment of any other shaped solids becomes possible.

It goes without saying that the shape of the playsurfaces 6 may differ from the faces of the large cube 4 serving here as an example, so e. g. the playsurfaces 6 may be formed with optional plain or spherical surfaces; when the logical toy according to the invention is realized in form of a sphere, it may have one single playsurface 6, this may happen, in particular, by reshaping the large cube 4 according to Fig. 3 into a sphere, however, an appearance of the toy in form of a prism, tetrahedron, etc. is also possible.

Claims

Claims:

1. Spatial logical toy consisting of solids having been mutually fixed in such a manner, as to be rotated relative to one another, the solids exposing the single parts of the playsurface are adapted to rotate in groups around the axis having been arranged in the geometrical centre of the playsurface(s) and lying perpendicularly to the same, the solids can be arranged and rearranged, while the axes of rotation of the groups of solids forming the playsurface(s) of the toy are intersecting one another in a single point, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the solids (1) are engaged with a one-piece spherical surface (2) and the centre of the spherical surface (2) is lying in the point of intersection of the axes of the groups (7) of solids forming the playsurfaces (6). 2. Logical toy as claimed in claim 1, c h a r a ct e r i z e d in that the mutually contacting surfacial parts of the solids (1) are plain surfacial parts forming a part of any of the planes of rotation of said surfacial parts. 3. Logical toy as claimed in claim 1 or 2, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that out of the solids (1) belonging to all playsurfaces (6) one solid (1) is forming an integral entirety with the spherical surface (2) and can be neither displaced nor rotated in relation thereto.

4. Logical toy as claimed in claim 3, c h a r a ct e r i z e d that in case of a large cube (4) containing fiftysix solids (1) one or more, expediently all the eight corner solids (1) are forming an integral entirety with the spherical surface (2) and can be neither displaced or rotated in relation thereto. 5. Logical toy as claimed in claim 3 or 4, c h a r a ct e r i z e d in that on at least two playsurfaces (6) enclosing an angle a group (7) of solids consisting of three times three, i. s. totally nine solids (1) is arranged and the solids (1) having been arranged in the surfacial centres belonging to said playsurfaces (6) are fixed to the spherical surface (2) in a rotatable but non-slideable manner.

6, Logical toy as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 5, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the spherical surface (2) is arranged inside the solids (1),

7. Logical toy as claimed in claim 6, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that all the solids (1) are arranged in a slideable mcnner on the spherical surface (2). 3. Logical toy as claimed in claim 6 or 7, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the solids (1) are formed in a slideable manner, guided by the spherical surface (2).

9, Logical toy as claimed in any of the claims 6 to 8, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that a deal of the solids (1) is arranged in a slideable manner, guided by the spherical surface (2).

10, Logical toy as claimed in any of the claims 6 to 9, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the oiaysurfaces (6) are the faces of tetrahedron(s), prism(s), expediently cube(s) or spherical surfaces, in particular, the surface of a sphere,

11, Logical toy as claimed in claim 10, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the side(s) of the solids (1) facing the playsurface(s) (6) are formed as planes or spherical surface(s) fitting into the playsurface(s) (6). 12. Logical toy as claimed in any of the claims 6 to

11, c h a ra ct e r iz e d in that the surfacial part of the solids (1) coming into contact with the spherical surface (2) is formed a s a spherical surfacial part (3) having been cut out from the cubiform of the solids (1), the radius of which corresponds to the radius of the spherical surface (2), whereas its origin is lying in the centre of the spherical surface in any position of the solid (1).

13, Logical toy as claimed in any of the claims 6 to 11, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that on the slideable solids (1) or on the spherical surface (2) intersectinc oaths are formed and the generatrices of said ccths are intersectinc pitch circles (ll) or parts thereof, having been arranged either in the planes of rotation of the groups (7) of solids or in the planes running parallel with said planes of rotation. 14. Logical toy as claimed in claim 13, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that on the spherical surface (2) more, than one, expediently three paths are formed or a set consisting of paths preferably of identical number is to be found.

15. Logical toy as claimed in claim 14, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the plane(s) of the pitch circle(s) of the three paths or any of the paths contained in the three sets of paths is (are) perpendicular to the plane(s) of the pitch circle(s) of the other two pa ths or of the paths belonging to the set of paths. 16. Logical toy as claimed in any of the claims 13 to 15, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the paths are formed by channels (l2) protruding into the spherical surface (2) being directed to the centre thereof, whereas extensions (14) - being engaged with the spherical surfacial parts (3) by means of the pins (13) - may be slided in the channels (12) or transferred into another channel (12) with a pitch circle

(11) of the same radius, while the extensions (14) are formed so, as to prevent their outslide from the channels (12).

17. Logical toy as claimed in claim 16, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the openings (15) of the channels

(12) - of the shape of the mouth of a recess - are narrowed in order to avoid outslide of the extensions (14) from the channels (l2).

18. Logical toy as claimed in claim 16 or 17, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the extensions (14) are fixed to the solids (1) by means of pins (13) provided with a spring (13).

19. Logical toy as claimed in claim 16 or 17, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the spherical surfacial parts (3; of the solids (1) being in contact with the spherical surface (2) are engaged with the remainder of the solids (1) being provided with surfacial part(s) (5) in such a manner, that the parts of the solids (1) provided with the surfacial part(s) (5) are connected with the extensions (14) by means of a rigid pin (13) extending across the spherical surfacial parts (3) of the solids (1).

20. Logical toy as claimed in any of the claims 16 to 19, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that In the channels (12) as distance pieces (l6) balls or any other bodies being suitable for filling out the channel parts between the extensions (14) are arranged, preferably with a circular generatrix and shaped as an arched body fitting loosely to the cross-section of the channel (12). 21. Logical toy as claimed in any of the claims 16 to 19, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that in the channels (l2) between the extensions (14) spring elements (17) are arranged, allowing the transit of the extensions (14) and ensuring the arrested adjustment thereof. 22. Logical toy as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 12, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that for promoting adhesion, on the spherical surfacial parts (3) of the solids (1) there is at least one pair of magnetic poles and the shell of the spherical surface (2) is made - partly or entirely - of a soft magnetic material being suitable for the magnetic closing of the magnetic pole-pairs (3),

23. Logical toy as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 12, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that on the spherical surface (2), preferably in a uniform distribution, magnetic pole-pairs (3) are arranged and the spherical surfacial part (3) of the solids (1) are made - partly or entirely - of a soft magnetic material being suitable for the magnetic closure of the magnetic pole-pairs (8).

24. Logical toy as claimed in the claim 22 or 23, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the pole-pairs (8) each ensuring adhesion consist of the magnetic dipole (9), the axis of which is running parallel with the tangent-plane of the spherical surface (2) or the spherical surfacial part (3) belonging to the given place and of the soft-iron armature (10) each connected to the two poles of the dipole (9) and arranged perpendicularly to the tangent-plane of the spherical surface (2) or the spherical surfacial part (3) belonging to the given place.

25. Logical toy as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 5, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the spherical surface (2) - preferably made of a transparent material - is arranged outside the solids (1).

26. Logical toy as claimed in claim 25, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the outer surface of the groups (7) of solids is formed as a sphere and the solids (1) are shaped as spherical sections - like halved slices of orange - or they can be intersected by a median plane lying perpendicularly to the straight line connecting their apexes with each other. 27. Logical toy as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 26, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the surfacial parts (5) of the toy may have a patterned or coloured surface being patterned or coloured partly or entirely , individually or per groups. 28. Logical toy as claimed in claim 27, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the surfacial parts (5) - the number of which corresponds to the number of the surfacial parts (5) forming a playsurface (6) - are identically marked, preferably identically coloured.