Odd-shaped three-dimensional logical puzzles

Abstract

A method used to convert easily any given odd-shaped solid into perfectly interfitting elements to create three-dimensional puzzles. The method is based on steps producing mobile elements, carrying elements and optionally a center element and implementing holding means, retaining means and translating-rotating motions. Procedures also explain how to add secret compartment features to the odd-shaped puzzle family. This method and procedures can create extremely challenging, and aesthetic three-dimensional puzzles having shifting and optionally sliding features. This method and procedures work with odd-shaped solids, spherical solids and polyhedral solids of any kind.

1 . A method of converting an odd-shaped solid into perfectly interfitting elements to create a shiftable three-dimensional puzzle, the method comprising steps of:
 selecting from the odd-shaped solid a hollow mobile portion intended to be converted into mobile puzzle elements;   dividing the odd-shaped solid into two portions, the hollow mobile portion and a remaining portion;   associating an axis with the hollow mobile portion, the axis defining an axis of rotation around which the mobile puzzle elements may rotate;   longitudinally dividing the hollow mobile portion along the axis to thereby slice the hollow mobile portion into at least two hollow components;   radially dividing the at least two hollow components of the hollow mobile portion into at least two mobile puzzle elements;   incorporating holding means into the mobile puzzle elements to hold the mobile puzzle elements while enabling shifting of the mobile puzzle elements;   radially dividing the remaining portion into at least two carrying elements, the carrying elements defining support bodies adapted to support and carry the mobile elements while enabling motion of the mobile elements relative to the carrying elements;   incorporating further holding means into the carrying elements to hold the mobile puzzle elements while enabling rotation of the mobile puzzle elements about the axis of rotation;   incorporating a translating motion mechanism and/or a rotating motion mechanism into the carrying elements to enable the mobile puzzle elements to be interchanged between different groups of adjacent mobile puzzle elements; and   incorporating retaining means into the carrying elements to retain and interconnect the carrying elements to thereby enable translation and/or rotation of one carrying element relative to another carrying element.   
   
   
       2 . The dividing method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the holding means comprise tongue and groove mechanisms enabling rotation of the mobile puzzle elements about the axis of rotation while holding the puzzle together. 
   
   
       3 . The dividing method as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the retaining means enable one or both:
 a limited translational motion of one carrying element relative to another carrying element to enable shifting of some or all of the mobile puzzle elements; and   a rotational motion of one carrying element relative to another carrying element about an auxiliary axis.   
   
   
       4 . The dividing method as claimed in  claim 3  wherein said translating motion is limited by interconnection of the carrying elements. 
   
   
       5 . The dividing method as claimed in  claim 3  wherein said translating motion is limited by a mechanism comprising a retaining means connected to a center element. 
   
   
       6 . The dividing method as claimed in  claim 5  wherein said center element is a hollow cylindrical element with elongated slots. 
   
   
       7 . The dividing method as claimed in  claim 3  wherein said rotational motion is between two of said carrying elements and occurs around said auxiliary axis. 
   
   
       8 . The dividing method as claimed in  claim 3  wherein said rotational motion is between more than two carrying elements fixed by retaining means to a center element. 
   
   
       9 . The dividing method as claimed in  claim 8  wherein said center element comprises:
 an inner core element;   inner holding means connected to the inner core element by inner retaining means; and   sub-carrying elements adapted to engage both the carrying elements and the inner holding means to thereby enable motion of the carrying elements relative to the inner core element.   
   
   
       10 . The dividing method as claimed in  claim 9  wherein said inner core is a sphere. 
   
   
       11 . The dividing method as claimed in  claim 9  wherein said inner core is a concentric polyhedron. 
   
   
       12 . The dividing method as claimed in  claim 9  wherein said inner core is an axial rod system. 
   
   
       13 . The dividing method as claimed in  claim 3  wherein said translating and rotating motions are between two said carrying elements and taking place respectively along said axis and around said auxiliary axis. 
   
   
       14 . The dividing method as claimed in  claim 3  wherein said translating and rotating motions are between more than two carrying elements fixed by retaining means to a center element. 
   
   
       15 . The dividing method as claimed in  claim 14  wherein said center element comprises:
 an inner core element;   inner holding means connected to the inner core element by inner retaining means; and   sub-carrying elements adapted to engage both the carrying elements and the inner holding means to thereby enable motion of the carrying elements relative to the inner core element.   
   
   
       16 . The dividing method as claimed in  claim 15  wherein at least one of the sub-carrying elements comprises an elongated slot to enable limited translational motion of the sub-carrying element relative to the inner core. 
   
   
       17 . The dividing method as claimed in  claim 15  wherein said inner core is a sphere. 
   
   
       18 . The dividing method as claimed in  claim 15  wherein said inner core is a concentric polyhedron. 
   
   
       19 . The dividing method as claimed in  claim 15  wherein said inner core is an axial rod system. 
   
   
       20 . The dividing method as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising a step of incorporating a secret compartment into the puzzle, said secret compartment defining a secluded hollow compartment that can be accessed by manipulating the puzzle elements into a solution configuration. 
   
   
       21 . The dividing method as claimed in  claim 20  wherein the step of incorporating the secret compartment comprises:
 incorporating at least one carrying key element with at least one strip key;   incorporating at least one carrying keyway element with at least one strip keyway; and   incorporating at least one mobile keyway element with at least one strip keyway.   
   
   
       22 . The dividing method as claimed in  claim 21  wherein the height of the strip key and the heights of the strip keyways can be varied to modulate the puzzle difficulty. 
   
   
       23 . The dividing method as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising a step of superimposing slidable elements onto one or more outer surfaces of said puzzle. 
   
   
       24 . The dividing method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said odd-shaped solid is shaped as a milk carton. 
   
   
       25 . The dividing method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said odd-shaped solid is shaped as a human head. 
   
   
       26 . The dividing method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said odd-shaped solid is shaped as an American football. 
   
   
       27 . An odd-shaped three-dimensional logical puzzle comprising:
 a plurality of carrying elements connected together to enable limited translational motion of one carrying element relative to another carrying element; and   a plurality of mobile puzzle elements movably attached to one or more outer surfaces of the carrying elements, the carrying elements and the mobile puzzle elements together defining an odd shape, wherein the mobile puzzle elements are rotationally attached to the carrying elements to rotate in groups of mobile puzzle elements about the carrying elements, and wherein the mobile puzzle elements are shiftable between adjacent groups of mobile puzzle elements by translating one carrying element relative to another carrying element.   
   
   
       28 . The puzzle as claimed in  claim 27  wherein the carrying elements are also rotationally connected to enable rotational motion of one carrying element relative to another carrying element. 
   
   
       29 . The puzzle as claimed in  claim 27  wherein the carrying elements and the mobile puzzle elements together define a secluded hollow compartment accessible only by manipulating the carrying elements and the mobile puzzle elements into a solution configuration that unlocks the puzzle. 
   
   
       30 . The puzzle as claimed in  claim 28  wherein the carrying elements and the mobile puzzle elements together define a secluded hollow compartment accessible only by manipulating the carrying elements and the mobile puzzle elements into a solution configuration that unlocks the puzzle. 
   
   
       31 . The puzzle as claimed in  claim 27  further comprising superimposed slidable elements attached to at least one of the mobile puzzle elements. 
   
   
       32 . The puzzle as claimed in  claim 27  further comprising a center element to which the carrying elements are movably mounted. 
   
   
       33 . The puzzle as claimed in  claim 32  wherein the center element comprises:
 an inner core element;   inner holding means connected to the inner core element by inner retaining means; and   sub-carrying elements adapted to engage both the carrying elements and the inner holding means to thereby enable motion of the carrying elements relative to the inner core element.   
   
   
       34 . The puzzle as claimed in  claim 28  further comprising superimposed slidable elements attached to at least one of the mobile puzzle elements. 
   
   
       35 . The puzzle as claimed in  claim 28  further comprising a center element to which the carrying elements are movably mounted. 
   
   
       36 . The puzzle as claimed in  claim 35  wherein the center element comprises:
 an inner core element;   inner holding means connected to the inner core element by inner retaining means; and   sub-carrying elements adapted to engage both the carrying elements and the inner holding means to thereby enable motion of the carrying elements relative to the inner core element.