THREE-DIMENSIONAL PUZZLE GAME AND ASSOCIATED METHOD OF PLAYING THE SAME

Abstract

A three-dimensional puzzle game that is fun and cooperatively involves excitement, competition, strategy, skill, and luck, generally including the comprising the steps of: (a) providing three-dimensional puzzle pieces that are originally oriented in a random pattern; (b) providing a solution template that collectively corresponds to a surface of each one of the three-dimensional puzzle pieces; (c) shaking and rolling the three-dimensional puzzle pieces onto a surface; (d) isolating all three-dimensional puzzle pieces that have a surface that correspond to the solution template; (e) collecting all three-dimensional puzzle pieces that do not have a surface that corresponds to the solution template; (f) repeating the steps of shaking, rolling, isolating, and collecting until all of the three-dimensional puzzle pieces have a surface that corresponds to the solution template; and (g) arranging all of the three-dimensional puzzle pieces to conform with the solution template to, in turn, solve the puzzle.

Claims

1. A game, comprising the steps of: providing three-dimensional puzzle pieces that are originally oriented in a random pattern; providing a solution template that collectively corresponds to a surface of each one of the three-dimensional puzzle pieces; shaking and rolling the three-dimensional puzzle pieces onto a surface; isolating all three-dimensional puzzle pieces that have a surface that correspond to the solution template; collecting all three-dimensional puzzle pieces that do not have a surface that corresponds to the solution template; repeating the steps of shaking, rolling, isolating, and collecting until all of the three-dimensional puzzle pieces have a surface that corresponds to the solution template; and arranging all of the three-dimensional puzzle pieces to conform with the solution template to, in turn, solve the puzzle.

2. A timed, three-dimensional puzzle game that is fun and cooperatively involves excitement, competition, strategy, skill, and luck, comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of three-dimensional puzzle pieces that are originally oriented in a random pattern; providing a solution template that collectively corresponds to a surface of each one of the plurality of three-dimensional puzzle pieces; providing a container that is adapted for containing, shaking, and rolling the plurality of three-dimensional puzzle pieces; shaking and rolling the plurality of three-dimensional puzzle pieces onto a surface from the container; isolating all three-dimensional puzzle pieces that have a surface that correspond to the solution template; collecting all three-dimensional puzzle pieces that do not have a surface that corresponds to the solution template; placing all of the remaining three-dimensional puzzle pieces that do not have a surface that corresponds to the solution template into the container; repeating the steps of shaking, rolling, isolating, collecting, and placing until all of the three-dimensional puzzle pieces have a surface that corresponds to the solution template; arranging all of the three-dimensional puzzle pieces to conform with the solution template to, in turn, solve the puzzle; and timing the puzzle game from the initial roll to solving the puzzle.

3. The puzzle game according to claim 2, wherein the step of providing a plurality of three-dimensional puzzle pieces includes the step of providing 16 three-dimensional puzzle pieces.

4. The puzzle game according to claim 2, wherein the step of providing a plurality of three-dimensional puzzle pieces includes the step of providing a plurality of cubic, six-sided blocks.

5. The puzzle game according to claim 2, wherein the step of providing a plurality of three-dimensional puzzle pieces includes the step of providing a plurality of cubic, six-sided blocks that correspond to six different solution templates.

6. The puzzle game according to claim 2, wherein the step of providing a solution template includes the step of providing a solution template that corresponds to a random array of indicia, indicia that corresponds to a theme, a picture, a photograph, and combinations thereof.

7. The puzzle game according to claim 2, wherein the step of shaking and rolling the plurality of three-dimensional puzzle pieces onto a surface from the container includes the step of rolling the plurality of three-dimensional puzzle pieces onto a table.

8. The puzzle game according to claim 2, wherein the step of timing includes timing an individual for the individual's personal best time.

9. The puzzle game according to claim 2, wherein a first person solves the game puzzle, a second person solves the game puzzle after the first person, and a winner is determined based upon the shortest completion time.

10. A timed, three-dimensional puzzle game that is fun and cooperatively involves excitement, competition, strategy, skill, and luck, comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of three-dimensional puzzle pieces that are originally oriented in a random pattern; providing a container that is adapted for containing, shaking, and rolling the plurality of three-dimensional puzzle pieces; shaking and rolling the plurality of three-dimensional puzzle pieces onto a surface from the container; isolating all three-dimensional puzzle pieces that have a surface that correspond to a recognizable image; collecting all three-dimensional puzzle pieces that do not have a surface that corresponds to the recognizable image; placing all of the remaining three-dimensional puzzle pieces that do not have a surface that corresponds to the recognizable image into the container; repeating the steps of shaking, rolling, isolating, collecting, and placing until all of the three-dimensional puzzle pieces have a surface that corresponds to the recognizable image; arranging all of the three-dimensional puzzle pieces to conform with the recognizable image to, in turn, solve the puzzle; and timing the puzzle game from the initial roll to solving the puzzle.

11. The puzzle game according to claim 10, wherein the step of providing a plurality of three-dimensional puzzle pieces includes the step of providing 16 three-dimensional puzzle pieces.

12. The puzzle game according to claim 10, wherein the step of providing a plurality of three-dimensional puzzle pieces includes the step of providing a plurality of cubic, six-sided blocks.

13. The puzzle game according to claim 10, wherein the step of providing a plurality of three-dimensional puzzle pieces includes the step of providing a plurality of cubic, six-sided blocks that correspond to six different recognizable images.

14. The puzzle game according to claim 13, wherein the recognizable images include pictures, photographs, and combinations thereof.

15. The puzzle game according to claim 10, wherein the step of shaking and rolling the plurality of three-dimensional puzzle pieces onto a surface from the container includes the step of rolling the plurality of three-dimensional puzzle pieces onto a table.

16. The puzzle game according to claim 10, wherein the step of timing includes timing an individual for the individual's personal best time.

17. The puzzle game according to claim 10, wherein a first person solves the game puzzle, a second person solves the game puzzle after the first person, and a winner is determined based upon the shortest completion time.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Certain embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by the accompanying figures. It will be understood that the figures are not necessarily to scale and that details not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may be omitted.

[0029] It will be further understood that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

[0030] The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:

[0031] FIG. 1 of the drawings is a perspective view of a three-dimensional puzzle game, in accordance with the present invention, showing the game pieces oriented in a random pattern along with solution templates and a rolling container (e.g., cup, bowl, etcetera);

[0032] FIG. 2 of the drawings is a perspective view of the three-dimensional puzzle game solved in accordance with a solution template; and

[0033] FIG. 3 of the drawings is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the three-dimensional puzzle game solved using a logical or sequential pattern (e.g., a photograph of a car, etcetera) without a solution template.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described herein in detail several specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

[0035] It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings by like reference characters. In addition, it will be understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations of one or more embodiments of the invention, and some of the components may have been distorted from their actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity.

[0036] Referring now to the drawings, and to FIGS. 1-2 in particular, timed, three-dimensional puzzle game 10 that is fun and cooperatively involves excitement, competition, strategy, skill, and luck, is disclosed as comprising three-dimensional puzzle pieces 12, one or more solution templates 14, and optional container 16 for storing, shaking, and rolling three-dimensional puzzle pieces 12.

[0037] Three-dimensional puzzle pieces 12 preferably comprise cubic blocks or hexagons. However, any three-dimensional polygon that has a top side/face is likewise contemplated for use in accordance with present invention.

[0038] Puzzle game 10 preferably includes from between approximately 9 to approximately 25 three-dimensional puzzle pieces, and more preferably 16 three-dimensional puzzle pieces.

[0039] Three-dimensional puzzle pieces 12 may be fabricated from a metal, a metal alloy, a natural resin, a synthetic resin, a plastic, a composite, wood, and/or combinations thereof.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, puzzle game 10 preferably includes one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, etcetera) solution templates 14. Solution templates 14 preferably correspond to a random array of data, indicia, and/or indicia that corresponds to a theme, a picture, a photograph, and combinations thereof. In other embodiments of the present invention a solution template is omitted because the solution to the puzzle corresponds to a recognizable image, such as, but not limited to, pictures and/or photographs known to the player.

[0041] Optional container 16 can be used for shaking and/or rolling three-dimensional puzzle pieces 12 during game play and for storing three-dimensional puzzle pieces 12 after game play.

[0042] In a first game mode or operation, puzzle game 10 comprises the steps of: (a) providing three-dimensional puzzle pieces that are originally oriented in a random pattern; (b) providing a solution template that collectively corresponds to a surface of each one of the three-dimensional puzzle pieces; (c) shaking and rolling the three-dimensional puzzle pieces onto a surface; (d) isolating all three-dimensional puzzle pieces that have a surface that correspond to the solution template; (e) collecting all three-dimensional puzzle pieces that do not have a surface that corresponds to the solution template; (f) repeating the steps of shaking, rolling, isolating, and collecting until all of the three-dimensional puzzle pieces have a surface that corresponds to the solution template; and (g) arranging all of the three-dimensional puzzle pieces to conform with the solution template to, in turn, solve the puzzle.

[0043] In a second game mode or operation (See FIGS. 1-2), puzzle game 10 comprises the steps of: (a) providing a plurality of three-dimensional puzzle pieces that are originally oriented in a random pattern; (b) providing a solution template that collectively corresponds to a surface of each one of the plurality of three-dimensional puzzle pieces; (c) providing a container that is adapted for containing, shaking, and rolling the plurality of three-dimensional puzzle pieces; (d) shaking and rolling the plurality of three-dimensional puzzle pieces onto a surface from the container; (e) isolating all three-dimensional puzzle pieces that have a surface that correspond to the solution template; collecting all three-dimensional puzzle pieces that do not have a surface that corresponds to the solution template; (f) placing all of the remaining three-dimensional puzzle pieces that do not have a surface that corresponds to the solution template into the container; (g) repeating the steps of shaking, rolling, isolating, collecting, and placing until all of the three-dimensional puzzle pieces have a surface that corresponds to the solution template; (h) arranging all of the three-dimensional puzzle pieces to conform with the solution template to, in turn, solve the puzzle; and (i) timing the puzzle game from the initial roll to solving the puzzle.

[0044] In a third game mode or operation (See FIG. 1 in part and FIG. 3), puzzle game 10 comprises the steps of: (a) providing a plurality of three-dimensional puzzle pieces that are originally oriented in a random pattern; (b) providing a container that is adapted for containing, shaking, and rolling the plurality of three-dimensional puzzle pieces; (c) shaking and rolling the plurality of three-dimensional puzzle pieces onto a surface from the container; (d) isolating all three-dimensional puzzle pieces that have a surface that correspond to a recognizable image; (e) collecting all three-dimensional puzzle pieces that do not have a surface that corresponds to the recognizable image; (f) placing all of the remaining three-dimensional puzzle pieces that do not have a surface that corresponds to the recognizable image into the container; (g) repeating the steps of shaking, rolling, isolating, collecting, and placing until all of the three-dimensional puzzle pieces have a surface that corresponds to the recognizable image; (h) arranging all of the three-dimensional puzzle pieces to conform with the recognizable image to, in turn, solve the puzzle; and (i) timing the puzzle game from the initial roll to solving the puzzle.

[0045] Example of Game Rules (Single Player)

[0046] The game is timed and the shortest time wins. Pick as many rounds as you wish or construct each of the different puzzles one time for a full game.

[0047] Player one—shuffle the picture cards, then draw one. Note: The six puzzle themes will be distinct enough to determine your puzzle from the others. Start a smart phone stop-watch, then roll all the puzzle blocks out of their container. When your puzzle pieces land face up, move them aside and keep rolling, using the container, until all of your pieces land face up. After all your pieces have landed face up, you may begin to assemble the puzzle. Assemble your puzzle correctly according to the picture. There could be several different versions in each picture group. When you finish say ‘time’ or stop the watch. Record your time, then pass to the next player. Compile your times for as many rounds as you have chosen. The shortest total time wins.

[0048] Example of Game Rules (Team Mode)

[0049] Teams of two can play, if desired. Follow same basic rules as single player—except for these changes. Each team must designate one puzzle roller and one puzzle builder. The roller will roll the blocks then distribute the correct blocks to the builder after each roll. The builder should start configuring the puzzle pieces as soon as possible according to the picture. The roller may give verbal advice to the builder, but not touch the blocks after they are given to the builder. Time the assembly of each puzzle and compile your times. Shortest total time wins.

[0050] The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0051] While certain embodiments have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that changes and modifications can be made therein in accordance with ordinary skill in the art without departing from the technology in its broader aspects as defined in the following claims.

[0052] The embodiments, illustratively described herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations, not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, for example, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” etcetera shall be read expansively and without limitation. Additionally, the terms and expressions employed herein have been used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claimed technology. Additionally, the phrase “consisting essentially of” will be understood to include those elements specifically recited and those additional elements that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed technology. The phrase “consisting of” excludes any element not specified.

[0053] The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods and compositions within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods, reagents, compounds compositions or biological systems, which can of course vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0054] In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

[0055] As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, particularly in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etcetera. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etcetera. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” and the like, include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each individual member.

[0056] All publications, patent applications, issued patents, and other documents referred to in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication, patent application, issued patent, or other document was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety. Definitions that are contained in text incorporated by reference are excluded to the extent that they contradict definitions in this disclosure.

[0057] Other embodiments are set forth in the following claims.