Circuit puzzle

Abstract

An apparatus for the creation of an electrical circuit on a game board as a puzzle to be solved, is provided. The game board includes an electrical control circuit that induces an electromagnetic field above a planar surface of the game board. A plurality of electrically conductive distinctly curved game pieces are placed in various ways on top of the planar surface, the goal being to place all of the pieces on the planar surface in a loop in order to create the electrical circuit. When the final game piece is placed, an induced current flow is experienced by the electrical circuit and detected by the electrical control circuit. In response to detecting completion of the electrical circuit, the electrical control circuit activates an audible indication and a visual indication simultaneously for a period of time to provide a pleasurable reward to the user in the form of sensory feedback.

Claims

1. A circuit puzzle, comprising: (a) a game board that includes a planar surface; (b) a plurality of game pieces that each include a distinct curvature and shape and an electrical conductor that extends along a longitudinal length of each of said plurality of game pieces, and wherein during use all of said plurality of game pieces are individually placed on said planar surface in a desired orientation with respect to each other; wherein said electrical conductor of each of said plurality of game pieces includes a first conductor end and an opposite second conductor end; wherein after all of said plurality of game pieces are placed on said planar surface in said desired orientation with respect to each other, said first conductor end of each of said plurality of game pieces is in contact with and is electrically connected to said second conductor end of a remaining one of said plurality of game pieces and wherein, after placement of a final of said plurality of game pieces in said desired orientation, said electrical conductors of all of said plurality of game pieces electrically connect together in series to create a closed electrical circuit on said planar surface as the object and solution of the circuit puzzle, and wherein said closed electrical circuit forms a continuous loop that is disposed entirely on top of said planar surface, and wherein said continuous loop is not electrically connected by any electrical conductor to any remaining portion of said circuit puzzle or to a power supply; and (c) an electrical control circuit that includes a microcomputer, wherein said electrical control circuit produces an electromagnetic field that radiates above said planar surface; and wherein said electrical control circuit is able to detect an induced current flow in said continuous loop from said electromagnetic field that occurs when a said final of said plurality of game pieces is properly placed on said planar surface to complete said continuous loop, and wherein said electrical control circuit, in response to detecting an occurrence of said induced current flow in said continuous loop on said planar surface, activates an audible indication or a visual indication or an audible and a visual indication for a period of time to indicate completion of said continuous loop; (g) wherein all of said plurality of game pieces are included in the formation of said continuous loop; and wherein said desired orientation of all of said plurality of game pieces includes a first solution of the circuit puzzle, and wherein said first solution includes a first placement of all of said plurality of game pieces on said planar surface; and wherein said desired orientation includes a second solution of the circuit puzzle, and wherein said second solution includes a second placement of all of said plurality of game pieces on said planar surface; and wherein said second placement is different than said first placement; and wherein said current flow occurs through all of said plurality of game pieces of said continuous loop when all of said plurality of game pieces have been placed on said planar surface sufficient to complete said continuous loop, and wherein no current flow occurs through any of said plurality of game pieces when any of said plurality of game pieces are missing and said continuous loop has not been formed on said planar surface.

2. The circuit puzzle of claim 1 wherein said electrical conductor includes at least a first loop that extends at least partially through a first opening provided at a first end of each of said game pieces and a second loop that extends at least partially through a second opening provided at an opposite second end of each of said game pieces.

3. The circuit puzzle of claim 1 including a constriction that is provided in each of said game pieces along said longitudinal length, and wherein said electrical conductor is disposed in said constriction, and wherein said constriction frictionally engages with said electrical conductor an amount sufficient to retain said electrical conductor in position relative to said constriction.

4. The circuit puzzle of claim 2 wherein each of said game pieces includes a first void disposed in an interior of each of said game pieces proximate said first end and a second void disposed in said interior of each of said game pieces proximate said second end, and wherein when a sufficient force is applied to said first loop a portion of said first loop is urged into said first opening, and wherein when a sufficient force is applied to said second loop a portion of said second loop is urged into said second opening.

5. The circuit puzzle of claim 4 wherein when said portion of said first loop is urged into said first opening said electrical conductor pivots about a first end of said constriction in said first void.

6. The circuit puzzle of claim 4 wherein when said portion of said second loop is urged into said second opening said electrical conductor pivots about a second end of said constriction in said second void.

7. The circuit puzzle of claim 2 wherein said first loop includes at least one loop of said electrical conductor and wherein said second loop includes at least one loop of said electrical conductor.

8. The circuit puzzle of claim 1 wherein said electrical conductor includes a spring-like quality, thereto.

9. The circuit puzzle of claim 1 including a plurality of cylindrically shaped protrusions that extend upward from said planar surface and wherein said cylindrically shaped protrusions help prevent excessive movement of any of said game pieces when any of said game pieces are placed on said planar surface and proximate any of said cylindrically shaped protrusions.

10. The circuit puzzle of claim 1 including a plurality of semi-cylindrically shaped protrusions that extend upward from said planar surface along a raised perimeter of said planar surface, and wherein said semi-cylindrically shaped protrusions help prevent excessive movement of any of said game pieces when any of said game pieces are placed on said planar surface and proximate any of said semi-cylindrically shaped protrusions.

11. The circuit puzzle of claim 1 including a first template for placement on said planar surface, and for placement of said plurality of game pieces on said first template, and wherein said first template includes a first visual indication as to a location to place at least one of said game pieces thereon, and wherein when said first template is utilized along with proper placement of all of said remaining game pieces consistent with said first visual indication sufficient to form said closed electrical circuit on said planar surface, said first solution of the circuit puzzle is achieved.

12. The circuit puzzle of claim 1 including a second template for placement on said planar surface, and for placement of said plurality of game pieces on said second template, and wherein said second template includes a second visual indication as to a location to place at least one of said game pieces thereon, and wherein said second visual indication is different than said first visual location and wherein when said second template is utilized along with proper placement of all of said remaining game pieces consistent with said second visual indication sufficient to form said closed electrical circuit on said planar surface, said second solution of the circuit puzzle is achieved.

13. The circuit puzzle of claim 12 including a solution sheet for said second template, and wherein said solution sheet for said second template includes a complete visual indication as to where every one of said plurality of game pieces is placed on said planar surface to provide said second solution to the circuit puzzle.

14. The circuit puzzle of claim 11 including a solution sheet for said first template, and wherein said solution sheet includes a complete visual indication as to where every one of said plurality of game pieces is placed on said planar surface to provide said first solution to the circuit puzzle.

15. The circuit puzzle of claim 1 including at least one light source that is disposed under said planar surface, and wherein said planar surface is sufficiently translucent to allow at least some of a light from said at least one light source to pass through said planar surface when said at least one light source is illuminated, and wherein said at least one light source is used to provide said visual indication for said period of time to indicate completion of said continuous loop.

16. The circuit puzzle of claim 15 wherein said game pieces are sufficiently translucent to allow at least some of said light from said at least one light source to pass through said game pieces when said at least one light source is illuminated.

17. The circuit puzzle of claim 1 including an electrical connector attached thereto and an electrical cord that includes a corresponding electrical connector at a first end of said electrical cord, and wherein said corresponding electrical connector is attachable and detachable with respect to said electrical connector, and wherein an opposite second end of said electrical cord includes a momentary electrical switch, and wherein when an on-off switch of the circuit puzzle is disposed in an on position and when at least one battery or other source of electrical power is operatively connected to the circuit puzzle and when said corresponding electrical connector is properly attached to said electrical connector, an actuation of said momentary electrical switch is sensed by said electrical control circuit and is used to energize, for a period of time, said audible indication or said visual indication or said audible indication and said visual indication regardless of a position occupied by any of said game pieces on said planar surface and regardless of whether said electrical circuit on said planar surface is complete or not.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of a circuit puzzle game board with a drawer shown in an open position and an electrical cord and a momentary switch attached to the game board.

(2) FIG. 2 is a plan view of a plurality of game pieces that are placed on a planar surface of the game board during use.

(3) FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of a game piece taken on the line 3-3 in FIG. 2.

(4) FIG. 4 is a view in perspective of the game piece of FIG. 3.

(5) FIG. 5 is a plan view of a sample template that is placed atop the planar surface of the game board of FIG. 1.

(6) FIG. 6 is a plan view of a solution for the sample template of FIG. 5.

(7) FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the basic operation of a microprocessor that is included as a component part of electrical control circuitry that is included in the game board of FIG. 1.

(8) FIG. 8 is a brief description of the flowchart of FIG. 7.

(9) FIG. 9 is a schematic of the electrical control circuitry of the circuit puzzle.

(10) FIG. 10 is a view as shown in FIG. 1 as seen along the lines 10-10, therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(11) Referring on occasion to all of the FIGURE drawings and now, in particular to FIG. 1, is shown a circuit puzzle, identified in general, by the reference numeral 10.

(12) The reader will notice that reference is occasionally made throughout the DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION suggesting that the reader refer to a particular drawing FIGURE. The suggestion is at times made when the introduction of a new element requires the reader to refer to a different drawing FIGURE than the one currently being viewed and also when the timely viewing of another drawing FIGURE is believed to significantly improve ease of reading or enhance understanding. To promote rapid understanding of the instant invention the reader is encouraged to periodically refer to and review each of the drawing FIGURES for possible cross-referencing of component parts and for other potentially useful information.

(13) Certain examples are shown in the above-identified FIGURES and are described in greater detail below. In describing these examples, like or identical reference numerals may be used to identify common or similar elements.

(14) The circuit puzzle 10 includes a game board 12 that also functions as a housing for an electrical control circuit (identified in general by reference numeral 14, FIG. 9). The game board 12 includes a planar surface 16 that is able to receive each of eight distinctly-shaped arcuate game pieces, identified in general by the reference numeral 18, FIG. 2.

(15) Referring now momentarily to FIG. 2 the game pieces 18 include a first game piece 20, a second game piece 22, a third game piece 24, a fourth game piece 26, a fifth game piece 28, a sixth game piece 30, a seventh game piece 32, and an eighth game piece 34.

(16) Referring now momentarily to FIG. 3 is shown a cross-sectional view of the first game piece 20 and referring momentarily to FIG. 4 is shown a view in perspective of the first game piece 20. Each of the game pieces 18 includes a unique curvature or shape, as shown in FIG. 2. However, each of the game pieces 18 is substantially similar in construction and usage as compared to the first game piece 20.

(17) Referring again to FIG. 3 and to FIG. 4, the first game piece 20 includes an electrical conductor 36 that extends from a first end 20a of the first game piece 20 to an opposite second end 20b of the first game piece 20 along a center longitudinal length of the first game piece 20. The electrical conductor 36 is formed of a bare wire. The material used to form the wire is selected to provide electrical conductivity as well as a spring-like quality to the electrical conductor 36. The reason for this is discussed in greater detail below.

(18) A significant challenge to the creation of any game or toy or puzzle is that it must be inexpensive to manufacture to keep the retail cost as low as possible, yet sufficiently reliable. In particular, to solve the circuit puzzle 10 numerous plastic pieces (i.e., the game pieces 18) are all placed in a proper position on the planar surface 16 so that the game pieces 18 connect with one another physically as well as electrically to form an electrical circuit or loop (identified in general by reference numeral 38, FIG. 6).

(19) The creation of the game pieces 18 that are easy and inexpensive to manufacture, which can be reliably built using available machinery to fabricate the various component parts of each of the game pieces 18, that can be assembled with reduced risk of error, and which can also maintain electrical continuity when properly disposed on the planar surface 16 of the game board 12, represented a significant challenge to overcome. The design of the game board 12 and of each of the game pieces 18 and how the structure of the game board 12 cooperates with the game pieces 18 is critical to the successful and reliable creation of the electrical circuit 38.

(20) Referring now in particular to FIG. 3, the first game piece 20 includes a pair of vertical opposing side panels 40, 42 that extend from the first end 20a to the second end 20b. Referring also to FIG. 4, a pair of horizontal opposing side panels 41, 43 are disposed between the vertical side panels 40, 42. The horizontal opposing side panels 41, 43 are perpendicular with respect to the vertical side panels 40, 42.

(21) The electrical conductor 36 passes generally along the center longitudinal axis of the first game piece 20 and is surrounded by the vertical side panels 40, 42 and by the horizontal opposing side panels 41, 43.

(22) A constriction, identified in general by the reference numeral 44, is provided inside of the first game piece 20 proximate a midpoint between the first end 20a and the second end 20b. The constriction 44 is formed by sufficiently increasing the wall thickness of the vertical side panels 40, 42 so that a gap between the vertical side panels 40, 42 is small enough to pinch the electrical conductor 36 when it is inserted therein during manufacture. The constriction 44 retains the electrical conductor 36 in position in the first game piece 20.

(23) On a first side of the constriction 44, where the electrical conductor 36 exits from the constriction 44, is provided a first fulcrum 46 or first pivot point for the electrical conductor 36. On an opposite side of the constriction 44, where the electrical conductor 36 exits from the constriction 44, is provided a second fulcrum 48 or second pivot point for the electrical conductor 36.

(24) Other structural changes other than increasing the wall thickness of the vertical side panels 40, 42 is also possible to provide the constriction 44. For example, a pair of opposing members (not shown) can be included in the first game piece 20 wherever the first and second fulcrums 46, 48 are desired. The opposing members would include a sufficiently small gap there-between to pinch and retain the electrical conductor 36 where desired.

(25) A first end 36a of the electrical conductor 36 includes a first loop 50. The first loop 50 is formed by bending the first end 36a of the electrical conductor 36 in a circle to form a coil. At least one loop of the wire that is used to form the electrical conductor 36 is required to form the first loop 50, although multiple loops of the wire are generally preferred. Such fabrication can be accomplished by current machinery, thereby keeping manufacturing cost especially low.

(26) A second end 36b of the electrical conductor 36 includes a second loop 52. The second loop 52 is similarly formed by bending the second end 36b of the electrical conductor 36 in a circle to form a coil. At least one loop of the wire that is used to form the electrical conductor 36 is required to form the second loop 52, although multiple loops of the wire are generally preferred.

(27) A first end opening 54 is provided in the first end 20a of the first game piece 20. The first end opening 54 allows at least a portion of the first loop 50 to extend out of an interior of the first game piece 20. At least some portion of the first loop 50 must extend beyond a first exterior plane of the first end 20a, as shown by lines 20c.

(28) A second end opening 56 is provided in the second end 20b of the first game piece 20. The second end opening 56 allows at least a portion of the second loop 52 to extend out of the interior of the first game piece 20. At least some portion of the second loop 52 must extend beyond a second exterior plane of the second end 20b, as shown by lines 20d.

(29) Referring now briefly to FIG. 6, it is shown how the electrical circuit 38, when completed, is formed by arranging in an acceptable manner on the planar surface 16 of the game board 12 each of the eight game pieces 20-34. A first end 20a of each one of the eight game pieces 20-34 abuts either the first end 20a or the second end 20b of one of the remaining game pieces 20-34. A second end 20b of each one of the eight game pieces 20-34 abuts either the first end 20a or the second end 20b of one of the remaining game pieces 20-34.

(30) In this manner all of the game pieces 20-34 interconnect to form a loop comprised of all eight of the game pieces 20-34. Because electrical conductivity extending through each of the electrical conductors 36 of each of game pieces 18 occurs, the electrical circuit 38 is formed. It is referred to as the electrical circuit 38 herein because it is capable of experiencing current flow. This is described in greater detail, hereinafter.

(31) In order to ensure that electrical conductivity occurs through all of the various game pieces 20-34, the first and second loops 50, 52 function as electrical contacts. When any, for example, the first game piece 20 is properly placed on the game board 12 in between two of the remaining game pieces 18 the first loop 50 of the first game piece 20 bears against either a first loop 50 or against a second loop 52 of one of the adjoining game pieces (any of game pieces 22-34). Similarly, the second loop 52 of the first game piece 20 bears against either a first loop 50 or against a second loop 52 of another one of the adjoining game pieces (any of the game pieces 22-34 except the one that is in contact with the first loop 50).

(32) The first and second loops 50, 52 of each game piece 20-34 provide a sufficiently large area to ensure that contact occurs with the corresponding first or second loops 50, 52 of each adjoining game piece 20-34. This provides tolerance to compensate for slight misalignment among the game pieces 18 and for manufacturing tolerances.

(33) Additionally, another important need is satisfied by the instant design. When any of the loops 50, 52 make contact with any of the loops 50, 52 of an adjoining game piece 20-34 the loops 50, 52 must protrude sufficiently far out of the first exterior plane 20c of the first end 20a and the second exterior plane 20d of the second end 20b to be able to make contact with the loop 50, 52 of the adjoining game piece 20-34.

(34) However, if the loops 50, 52 were not able to be urged inward a variable amount as required at each connection point toward an interior of the game pieces 18, the overall combined length of the game pieces 18 would exceed the space available for the electrical circuit 38. The capacity for the loops 50, 52 to flex (i.e., be urged) inward into the interior of the game pieces 18 (referring now for example to the first game piece 20 in FIG. 3) arises because the wire used to form the electrical conductor 36 exhibits the property of hysteresis and thereby functions as a spring.

(35) The area between the first fulcrum 46 and the first end 20a inside of the first game piece 20 includes a first void 58. The area between the second fulcrum 48 and the second end 20b inside of the first game piece 20 includes a second void 60.

(36) When a sufficient force is exerted on the first loop 50 the first end 36a of the electrical conductor 36 is urged inward toward the first void 58. The first end 36a of the electrical conductor 36 pivots about the first fulcrum 46 in a direction as shown by arrow 62 an amount necessary to ensure that proper electrical connection is made and to compensate for mechanical tolerances.

(37) Similarly, when a sufficient force is exerted on the second loop 52 the second end 36b of the electrical conductor 36 is urged inward toward the second void 60. The second end 36b of the electrical conductor 36 pivots about the second fulcrum 48 in a direction as shown by arrow 64 an amount necessary to ensure that proper electrical connection is made and to compensate for mechanical tolerances.

(38) When the first game piece 20 is removed from the game board 12, the first loop 50 is urged outward as the first end 36a of the electrical conductor 36 pivots about the first fulcrum 46 in a direction opposite to that as shown by arrow 62 and the second loop 52 is urged outward as the second end 36b of the electrical conductor 36 pivots about the second fulcrum 48 in a direction opposite to that as shown by arrow 64.

(39) The construction of each of the remaining game pieces 22-34 is identical to that of the first game piece 20 except that each of the remaining game pieces 22-34 includes a unique curvature or arcuate shape. When all eight game pieces 20-34 are assembled to form the electrical circuit 38, a complete loop, or 360 degrees of total arc rotation, are provided by the combined curvature of all of the game pieces 18, as arranged.

(40) Each game piece 20-34 is preferably formed of a lower half (as indicated by the portion of the first game piece 20 shown in FIG. 3) and an upper half (not shown). After insertion of the electrical conductor 36 in the lower half the upper half is placed over the lower half and the upper and lower halves are secured together by any preferred method. A preferred method includes ultrasonic welding although other methods, including the use of an adhesive, or a snap-fitting together of the upper and lower halves is possible.

(41) The lower half of the first game piece, as shown in FIG. 3, includes a first vertical post 66 and a second vertical post 68 that each extend upward from a first of the horizontal opposing side panels 41 and cooperate with a corresponding post portion of the upper half (not shown) that extends downward from a second of the horizontal opposing side panels 43. The vertical posts 66, 68 are used to facilitate assembly. If desired, they could also be used to provide a fulcrum where desired for the pivoting of either the first or second ends of the electrical conductor 36a, 36b.

(42) Accordingly, a low-cost and reliable method for establishing electrical continuity of the electrical control circuit 38 is provided by the instant design.

(43) The planar surface 16 of the game board 12 provides an active area for the placement of the various game pieces 18.

(44) Referring again to FIG. 1, a plurality of upright cylindrically-shaped protrusions 70 extend upward from the planar surface 16. A plurality of upright semi-cylindrical protrusions 72 extend upward from the planar surface 16 along a raised perimeter 74 of the game board 12. The cylindrically-shaped protrusions 70 and the semi-cylindrical protrusions 72 help retain each of the game pieces 18 in a desired position by limiting the amount of motion (i.e., movement) that is possible for any of the game pieces 20-34 on the game board 12. The tendency toward movement occurs in response to the force exerted upon each game piece 20-34 by the spring constant of the electrical conductor 36 of each adjoining game piece 20-34.

(45) There are numerous possible combinations for the placement of the game pieces 18 on the game board 12 in which all of the game pieces 18 are utilized to form a contiguous (i.e., continuous) loop of the electrical circuit 38. While it is possible to place any one of the game pieces 18 on the game board 12 at random and then experiment by placing, removing, or rearranging each remaining game pieces 20-34 on the game board 12 until one possible pattern for the electrical circuit 38 is formed, there are easier and better ways of using the circuit puzzle 10.

(46) A better way to use the circuit puzzle 10 is by the use of a template 76 (See FIGS. 1, 5 and 6). The template 76 is representative of one of many possible different templates 76 that are included with the circuit puzzle 10.

(47) Each of the templates 76 includes a plurality of cutout areas or openings 78 to allow passage of the cylindrically-shaped protrusions 70 and the semi-cylindrical protrusions 72. During normal play, the desired template 76 is placed directly on the planar surface 16.

(48) Each of the templates 76 provides at least some information as to the location and contour (i.e., position on the game board 12 of a portion of the electrical circuit 38). The electrical circuit 38 is completed by placement of each of the game pieces 18 on the template 76, complying with the information provided on the template 76, until a circuit or complete loop comprised of all of the eight game pieces 20-34 is formed.

(49) The amount of information that is provided on each template 76 is a variable. In general, the less information provided by the template 76 the greater the difficulty in completing the puzzle (i.e., forming the desired electrical circuit 38 atop the template 76).

(50) The information included on the selected template 76 includes a plurality of lines 80, 82, 84 that are imprinted on the surface of the template 76. The lines 80-84 provide a location for the placement of certain of the game pieces 18. The template 76 may also indicate one or more break points 86. The break points 86 define the ends of certain of the game pieces 20-34. The user must select from among all of the game pieces 18 those particular game pieces 18 that correspond with the shape of the lines 80-84 and the break points 36.

(51) As shown for the selected template 76, the requirements of the line 80 and the break points 86 of line 80 are satisfied by placing the fourth game piece 26 and the eighth game piece 34 over the line 80 of the template 76 after the template 76 has been placed on the planar surface 16.

(52) Similarly, the requirements of the line 82 and the break points 86 of line 82 are satisfied by placing the third game piece 24 over the line 82 of the template 76.

(53) Finally, the requirements of the line 84 and the break points 86 of line 84 are satisfied by placing the second game piece 22 over the line 84 of the template 76.

(54) The user then experiments with the remaining four game pieces 20, 28, 30, and 32 arranging them in various ways over the template 76 until the puzzle is solved, as shown in FIG. 6. The proper positioning of the remaining game pieces 20, 28, 30, and 32 on the template 76 to complete the electrical circuit 38 is indicated by a line drawing that is provided on a solution sheet 88 that is provided for each of the different templates 76.

(55) Referring to FIG. 1, arrow 90 shows how to place the template 76 on the planar surface 16. Arrow 92 shows how to place the eighth game piece 34 in the proper position on the template 76. The remaining game pieces 20-32 are similarly placed on the template 76, as discussed above, in order to solve the puzzle by completing one of the many possible configurations of the electrical circuit 38 on top of the template 76 on the planar surface 16 of the game board 12. After completion of the puzzle the user may refer to the solution sheet 88 to confirm that he or she has achieved the proper or acceptable solution for that particular template 76.

(56) The moment that the last of the eight game pieces 20-34 is placed on the template 76 an audible and a visual indication is provided confirming successful completion of the circuit (i.e., creation of the electrical circuit 38) has occurred. This is discussed in greater detail, hereinafter.

(57) To again create another alternate solution (i.e., another possible electrical circuit 38) for the circuit puzzle 10 the game pieces 18 and the template 76 are removed from the game board 12. An alternate one of the templates 76 is placed on the game board 12 and the process is repeated, as previously described.

(58) To properly solve the puzzle as presented by the template 76 (i.e., any given template 76) the user must place a game piece 20-34 directly over all of the lines 80-84 (certain templates 76 may have a greater or fewer number of the lines 80-84 depending on the difficulty) that appear on the template 76. Each game piece 20-34 that is placed over each line 80-84 must correspond both in shape and in position with the line 80-84. The first end 20a and the second end 20b of each game piece 20-34 that is placed on the template 76 must correspond with the break points 86 that appear on the template 76. The user must then experiment in placing various combinations of the remaining game pieces 20-34 on the template 76 on the game board 12 in order to complete the puzzle.

(59) The full criteria for solving each of the template 76 puzzles is that the puzzle is completed (i.e., solved) only if the lines 80-84 and the break points 86 as shown on the template 76 (if break points 86 are included on the template 76) correspond (i.e., correlate) perfectly with the placement of certain of the game pieces 20-34 on the template 76, and only if the first and second ends 20a, 20b of each game piece 20-34 are disposed adjacent to either the first or second ends 20a, 20b of two other adjoining game pieces 20-34, and only if a contiguous (i.e., continuous) loop comprising all eight game pieces 20-34 is formed to create the electrical circuit 38.

(60) Simply stated, the puzzle is completed (solved) by properly placing all eight of the game pieces 20-34 on top of the template 76 on the active area of the game board 12 to form a contiguous (i.e., continuous) loop or circuit which forms the electrical circuit 38 and is in compliance with the information provided by the template 76.

(61) Each template 76 preferably includes a tab portion 94 that is used to aid in the handling of the template 76.

(62) Referring now to both FIG. 1 and to FIG. 10, a drawer 96 is shown in an open position. The templates 76 are placed in a bottom of the drawer 96 and the game pieces 18 are placed in the drawer 96 on top of the templates 76 when the circuit puzzle 10 is not in use. A shape of a bottom surface of the drawer 96 corresponds with an overall shape of the template 76. The inside dimensions of the drawer 96 are larger than the outside dimensions of the template 76 to allow placement of all of the templates 76 in the drawer 96.

(63) A power switch 98 is used to turn the game board 12 on and off. When it is turned on, an LED 100 visible through a hole proved in a side panel 99 of the game board 12 is illuminated.

(64) A plurality of small openings 102 in the side panel 99 are disposed over a speaker. The speaker is used to provide an audible indication upon each successful completion of the electrical circuit 38 providing the power switch 98 is in the “ON” position. The audible indication is discussed in greater detail, hereinafter.

(65) An electrical connector 103 is provided on the side panel 99. A detachable electrical cord 104 is provided that includes a first end 104a and an opposite second end 104b. The first end 104a of the electrical cord 104 includes a corresponding electrical connector 106 that is attachable and detachable with respect to the electrical connector 103. The second end 104b of the electrical cord 104 includes a momentary electrical switch 108.

(66) A momentary depression of the electrical switch 108 is sensed by the electrical control circuit 14 that is contained in the game board 12 and is used to energize, for a period of time, the audible indication or the visual indication or preferably both the audible and the visual indication, providing the power switch 98 is in the “ON” position. The audible and visual indication that occurs in response to activation of the electrical switch 108 produces a visual and auditory output that is the same as a user would experience if the puzzle had just been solved after proper insertion on the game board 12 of a final game piece 20-34.

(67) A hole is provided in a box (not shown) that is used to package the circuit puzzle 10. The hole is located immediately above the momentary electrical switch 108. In this way a person in a retail store can place a tip of a finger through the hole and depress the momentary electrical switch 108 to experience what would happen in the moments that occur immediately after completion of the puzzle (i.e., after the final game piece 20-34 is placed on the template 76 on the game board 12 to complete the electrical circuit 38). The box preferably includes the words “TRY ME” proximate the hole to encourage sampling of the audible and visual indications.

(68) The electrical cord 104 can be detached from the side panel 99 during use by urging the corresponding electrical connector 106 out of the electrical connector 103. If desired, the electrical cord 104 and the momentary electrical switch 108 can remain connected to the game board 12, if preferred.

(69) The use of a “TRY ME” button is known for prior art toys, however, it is built into the toy itself. A detachable “TRY ME” electrical cord 104 and momentary electrical switch 108 are believed to be new and to provide distinct advantages over the known prior art designs. An advantage of leaving the electrical cord 104 connected is that, if desired, the momentary electrical switch 108 can be depressed whenever desired to again experience the sights and sounds that are produced by the audible and visual indications prior to a completion of the puzzle. An advantage of being able to remove it is to prevent the unintentional activation of the audible and visual indications prior to a solving of the puzzle by creating the electrical circuit 38. In this way the user is able to configure the circuit puzzle 10 to match their personal preference.

(70) One or more replaceable batteries (not shown) are included in the game board 12 prior to shipment in order to permit sampling of the audible and visual indications by potential consumers. Such sampling is expected to stimulate interest and increase sales of the circuit puzzle 10.

(71) An instruction manual (not shown) is included in the box. The instruction manual describes the object of the circuit puzzle 10, identifies the game pieces 18 and what components are included in the box, describes in general the templates 76 (which are called puzzle cards in the box), illustrates a partially completed circuit (i.e., a partially completed electrical circuit 38) that is missing two of the game pieces 20-34, includes two tutorial puzzles that indicate the solution to begin with, and include a grouping of the solutions 88 to the various templates 76 according to their difficulty level.

(72) The partially completed circuit 38 is included to build confidence in the user as the user can readily determine proper placement of the two remaining game pieces 20-34 and to allow the user to quickly experience the audible and visual indications that occur after the electrical circuit 38 is completed. The instruction manual also instructs the user to ensure that the power switch 98 is in the “ON” position prior to placing the final remaining two game pieces 20-34 on the game board 12.

(73) The game pieces 18 are preferably formed of a translucent type of plastic (or other material) in order to see the lines 80-84 and the break points 86 underneath the game pieces 18. The translucent material also helps to increase the intensity of the visual indication by allowing illumination to pass through the game pieces 18 when the visual indication is active.

(74) Referring again to FIG. 9, is shown a schematic of the circuitry for the electrical control circuit 14. A microcomputer (i.e., processor U1) is included in the electrical control circuit 14.

(75) Referring to FIG. 7, is shown a flowchart of the basic operation of the microcomputer. Referring also to FIG. 8, is provided a brief written description that outlines the operation of the microcomputer and the electrical control circuit 14.

(76) The disclosure provides one configuration for the circuit puzzle 10. It is understood that other variations in the design of the electrical control circuit 14 and the programming of the microcomputer are possible for the circuit puzzle 10. Additional details of operation and capabilities of the electrical control circuit 14 are included in the brief descriptions provided in FIG. 8.

(77) A broad overview of the operation of the electrical control circuit 14 follows. The electrical control circuit 14 is included in the game board 12 beneath the planar surface 16. Two coils (L1 and L2 as shown in FIG. 9) are strategically placed under the planar surface 16 and energized so that an electromagnetic field is generated when the power switch 98 is in the “ON” position. The electromagnetic field affects all possible locations on the active area of the planar surface 16 where any of the game pieces 18 may be placed.

(78) Accordingly, during use, the electromagnetic field that is produced by the electrical control circuit 14 that extends above the planar surface 16 and is experienced by every game piece 20-34 that is placed on the active area of the planar surface 16.

(79) Prior to completion of the electrical circuit 38 (i.e., as long as one or more game pieces 20-34 are missing) no current will flow through any of the game pieces 20-34 because there is no electrical circuit 38 in existence on the planar surface 16. However, when the electrical circuit 38 is completed by the user properly inserting the final game piece 20-34 in the proper position on the planar surface 16 and thereby completing the electrical circuit 38, an induced current flow is experienced by the electrical circuit 38.

(80) The current flow occurs because the electrical circuit 38, when complete, is an actual electrical circuit that extends in a continuous loop. Electrical continuity between all of the conductors 36 completes the electrical circuit 38 that is disposed on the planar surface 16. A small induced electric current flows through the electric circuit 38 but only when the electric circuit 38 is complete. Prior to completion there is no current flow.

(81) A more detailed discussion about the electrical control circuit 14 follows and can best be understood by frequent referral to the schematic of FIG. 9.

(82) A processor (U1) produces a precise square wave which drives a resonant circuit, comprised of capacitors C1,C2 and a first coil (inductor) L1, through a current limiting resistor R7.

(83) The first coil L1 is loosely magnetically coupled to a second coil L2. The second coil L2 forms a resonant circuit with capacitor C8. The current in the first coil L1 induces an alternating voltage in the circuit L2-C8.

(84) A resistor R18 and capacitor C9 form a low pass filter to limit the influence of nearby radio transmissions such as mobile phones and wireless networks.

(85) A detector circuit D1, R9 and C3 create a low frequency signal proportional to the average value of the peak voltage in the resonant circuit L2-C8 over an interval determined by the time constant of R9 and C3.

(86) An amplifier stage (¼ LM2902, R10 and R11) amplifies and reduces the impedance of the output of the detector stage (circuit).

(87) When the puzzle is solved the game pieces 18 form a conductive short circuit in the magnetic field of L1. This additional load causes the voltage in the detector circuit and consequently the output of the amplifier to decrease.

(88) If the voltage at an edge detector R12,R13,C4 decreases by a fraction greater than R12/R3 in a short time compared to the time constant defined by R13 and C4, the open loop amplifier stage output goes high signaling the processor U1 that the game has been solved (i.e., that the final piece 20-34 necessary to complete the electrical circuit 38 has just been properly placed on the planar surface 16 thereby completing the puzzle).

(89) The combination of R13 and C4 forms a floating reference voltage which can adjust to slow changes in the output of the detector such as those caused by decay of the supply voltage due to discharge of the batteries.

(90) When the processor U1 detects the game solved signal it enters the win sequence program which flashes the LED's (1-6) and outputs the music to be played through the speaker.

(91) The induced voltage and induced current flow in the electrical circuit 38 is too small to present a hazard or to be of any concern to the user. It is not even detectable by the user. However, an added benefit that is provided by the design is that current flows in the electrical circuit 38 atop the planar surface 16 only when the electrical circuit 38 is complete (i.e., only after all eight of the game pieces 20-34 are properly installed on the planar surface 16). When they are all installed, contact by the user with any of the loops 50, 52 or with any of the electrical conductors 36 is prevented by the electrically insulating exterior of each of the game pieces 18. This ensures that there is no way that a user can experience any induced voltage or current flow by making direct electrical contact with any of the game pieces 18.

(92) The moment the final (last) game piece 20-34 is inserted and the electrical circuit 38 is formed, the electrical control circuit 14 senses the effect of the induced current in the electrical circuit 38. The induced current flow that is detected by the electrical control circuit 14 is used as a trigger event to indicate to a user the successful completion of the puzzle by assembly of all of game pieces 18 to complete the electrical circuit 38.

(93) Upon completion, the electrical control circuit 14 simultaneously activates for a predetermined period of time the audible indication which is produced by the speaker and heard through the small openings 102 and the visual indication as a triumphant indication to the user that he or she has successfully completed the puzzle.

(94) It requires thought, care, and experimentation to properly assemble all eight game pieces 20-34 and successfully complete the circuit 38 (i.e., the loop). The user is rewarded for his or her effort by the one-time audible indication and the one-time visual indication that occurs upon completion of the electrical circuit 38.

(95) A plurality of light-emitting diode (LED) lights are disposed under the planar surface 16. The LED lights are included in the electrical control circuit 14. During activation, the LED lights are intermittently turned on and off in unison (or in any desired pattern) to provide the visual indication.

(96) A portion of the light emanated by the LED lights passes through the planar surface 16 and also through the translucent game pieces 18 as the visual indication. The light passing through the translucent game pieces 18 increases the visual impact of the visual indication. A desired excerpt from a song, tune, melody or musical composition is played through the speaker that is included with the electrical control circuit 14 to provide the audible indication concurrent with the flashing LEDS lights. A reflective layer is disposed under the LEDS in the game board 12 and is used to increase an amount of light that is emanated through the planar surface 16.

(97) FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, when viewed in combination with reference to the instant specification provide sufficient information to enable a person possessing ordinary skill in the electronic and microcomputer arts (i.e., a qualified engineer or engineers) to fully understand the intent and operation of the circuit puzzle 10.

(98) The use of a total of eight of the game pieces 18 is preferred as it provides a generally good range of difficulty although it is to be understood that either more or less than eight game pieces 18 are possible. Similarly, the active area of the game board 12 can be decreased to include fewer possible game piece 18 placements in order to provide a simpler version of the circuit puzzle 10 or, conversely, the active area of the game board 12 can be increased to include an increased number of possible game piece 18 placements in order to provide a more challenging version of the circuit puzzle 10.

(99) It is of course possible to eliminate the battery or batteries in the game board 12 and to provide a transformer and electrical connection of the transformer to the game board 12 and to a conventional 120 VAC electrical power source, if desired.

(100) The invention has been shown, described, and illustrated in substantial detail with reference to the presently preferred embodiment. It will be understood by those skilled in this art that other and further changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which is defined by the claims appended hereto.