Folding puzzle

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6679493
  • Patent Number
    6,679,493
  • Date Filed
    Monday, December 16, 2002
    22 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, January 20, 2004
    20 years ago
Abstract
A fold-through puzzle designed to interact and engage the interest of a puzzle solver for amusement and as a vehicle to present advertising to the viewer. The puzzle utilizes at east one planar member and a plurality of fold lines and may be repeatedly folded to create the illusion that several pieces of paper are being endlessly passed through themselves. In one embodiment, a plurality of planar members are attached to one another such that the members may pivot about each other on fold lines. In an alternative embodiment, the fold-through puzzle is configured with a single planar member and a plurality of incisions through the planar member, such that the puzzle maybe folded along fold lines, creating pivot areas and corner area, that when folded, produce the illusion that a single piece of paper is being endlessly passed through itself.
Description




TECHNICAL FIELD




The present invention relates to the field of folding puzzles; particularly, to folding puzzles that are useful for advertising and are interactive.




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




Advertisers have long-recognized the need for advertisements that are interactive and capture the target audience's attention. Such long-felt needs have been particularly prevalent in advertisements that are often discarded as “junk mail.” It has long been recognized that puzzles often capture the full attention and concentration of their solvers, yet advertisers have been slow to adopt puzzles as an advertising medium.




Numerous prior art devices have recognized the demand for creative sectional and folding picture puzzles games. Sectional picture puzzles typically consist of a plurality of cards that when joined together in a particular fashion form a larger image. Folding picture puzzles generally form an image, or series of images, when the puzzle is folded along a series of predetermined lines.




Folding picture puzzles are exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 2,327,875 to Edborg, U.S. Pat. No. 2,655,382 to Belsky, U.S. Pat. No. 3,267,597 to Jannes, U.S. Pat. No. 4,170,355 to Finkin, U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,380 to Polsky, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,735,520 to Matos. The '875, '382, '597, '355, and '380 can generally be classified as non-fold-through puzzles. A fold-through puzzle is one in which an aperture is formed through which the remaining portion of the puzzle is ultimately passed once folded or oriented correctly.




Non-fold-through puzzles, while they can be clever, all suffer from the same serious drawback: Their mode of operation is obvious even to the most casual observer. They rely on simple over-folding to bring apparently incongruous features into proximity to produce a clever result. A typical example is that of the '875 patent, where over-folding allows the puzzle worker to create four animals' heads.




Fold-through puzzles operate on a different principle. The casual observer of this type of puzzle is immediately struck by an apparent paradox. Intuitively believing that it is physically impossible to pass part of a piece of paper through itself over and over again, the puzzle worker finds himself or herself drawn into repeating the puzzle over and over again in search of discovering the “trick.” The puzzle solver finds in remarkable not to have to, at some point, unfold the puzzle in a reverse direction. The simpler the puzzle appears, the more baffled the puzzle solver becomes, and as a result, the more intrigued with the puzzle and more inclined to continue laboring over it. Simplicity begets attention, making a simple fold-through puzzle an ideal advertising medium, as it is difficult to put down.




The '520 patent discloses a fold-through puzzle. The apertures of the various embodiments disclosed in the '520 patent are all created from a plurality of incisions interior to the puzzle periphery. However, the folding patterns required by the various '520 embodiments are rather cumbersome and complex, therefore not desirable for a number of applications wherein the ultimate goal is to capture the users attention for a period, perhaps for as little as a few seconds, while ensuring that the user does not become frustrated with the complexity of the device.




Accordingly, the art has needed a means for improving the art of fold-through picture puzzles. While some of the prior art devices attempted to improve the state of the art of fold-through puzzles, none has achieved the unique and novel configurations and capabilities of the present invention. With these capabilities taken into consideration, the instant invention addresses many of the shortcomings of the prior art and offers significant benefits heretofore unavailable. Further, none of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.




SUMMARY OF INVENTION




In its most general configuration, the present invention advances the state of the art with a variety of new capabilities and overcomes many of the shortcomings of prior devices in new and novel ways. In its most general sense, the present invention overcomes the shortcomings and limitations of the prior art in any of a number of generally effective configurations. An object of this invention is to provide an advertising medium in the form of a fold-through puzzle that is both clever and amusing and that engages the puzzle solver long enough for the solver to be adequately exposed to an advertising message. An additional object of the invention is to provide an amusing puzzle, with no advertising or other message on the puzzle.




The fold-through puzzle of the instant invention enables a significant advance in the state of the art. The preferred embodiments of the apparatus accomplish this by new and novel arrangements of elements that are configured in unique and novel ways and which demonstrate previously unavailable but preferred and desirable capabilities.




The detailed description set forth below in connection with the drawings is intended merely as a description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the designs, functions, means, and methods of implementing the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and features may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. The fold-through puzzle of the instant invention includes at least one planar member and a plurality of fold lines, such that the puzzle may be manipulated to create the illusion that paper is being endlessly passed through itself. In one of the many preferable configurations, the fold-through puzzle incorporates, among other elements, at least one planar member.




In one of the many preferable embodiments, the fold-through puzzle incorporates, among other elements, a first planar member, a second planar member, a third planar member, and a fourth planar member. In this embodiment, the puzzle includes a plurality of planar members as follows. There is a first planar member having a first surface, a second surface, a first fold line, and a second fold line. There is a second planar member, substantially coplanar with the first planar member, having a first surface, a second surface, a first fold line, and a second fold line. Similarly, there is a third planar member having a first surface, a second surface, a first fold line, and a second fold line, wherein the first planar member second surface and the third planar member second surface are joined in part at a first joining location and the second planar member second surface and the third planar member second surface are joined in part at a second joining location.




There is a fourth planar member, substantially coplanar with the third planar member, having a first surface, a second surface, a first fold line, and a second fold line wherein the first planar member second surface and the fourth planar member second surface are joined in part at a third joining location and the second planar member second surface and the fourth planar member second surface are joined in part at a fourth joining location.




The fold-through puzzle may be configured such that the first joining location joins a third planar member first joining area and a first planar member first joining area. The second joining location may join a third planar member second joining area and a second planar member first joining area. The third joining location may join a fourth planar member first joining area and a first planar member second joining area. The fourth joining location may join a fourth planar member second joining area and a second planar member second joining area.




The arrangement of the planar members is such that the first planar member may pivot about the first fold line of the third planar member and the first fold line of the fourth planar member. The second planar member may pivot about the second fold line of the third planar member and the second fold line of the fourth planar member. The third planar member may pivot about the second fold line of the first planar member and the second fold line of the second planar member. The fourth planar member may pivot about the first fold line of the first planar member and the first fold line of the second planar member.




The fold-through puzzle may be configured such that the first planar member is substantially rectangular and formed with a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge. In such configuration, the second planar member may be substantially rectangular and formed with a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge. Similarly, the third planar member may be substantially rectangular and formed with a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge; and the fourth planar member may be substantially rectangular and formed with a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge.




In terms of relationships between the planar members, the fold-through puzzle may be configured such that the first planar member first fold line and the first planar member second fold line are substantially parallel to the first planar member second edge. In one particular embodiment, the first fold line may be located approximately one quarter of the length of the first planar member first edge away from the second edge and the second fold line may be located approximately three quarters of the length of the first planar member first edge away from the second edge.




Similarly, the second planar member first fold line and the second planar member second fold line may be substantially parallel to the second planar member second edge. The first fold line may be located approximately one quarter of the length of the second planar member first edge away from the second edge and the second fold line may be located approximately three quarters of the length of the first planar member first edge away from the second edge. Thirdly, the third planar member first fold line and the third planar member second fold line may be substantially parallel to the third planar member second edge. The first fold line may be located approximately one quarter of the length of the third planar member first edge away from the second edge and second fold line may be located approximately three quarters of the length of the third planar member first edge away from the second edge.




Lastly, the fourth planar member first fold line and the fourth planar member second fold line may be substantially parallel to the fourth planar member second edge. The first fold line may be located approximately one quarter of the length of the fourth planar member first edge away from the second edge and second fold line may be located approximately three quarters of the length of the fourth planar member first edge away from the second edge.




Joining may be by means of adhesives, mechanical fasteners, or such other joining methods as would be understood feasible by one skilled in the art.




Additionally, the fold-through puzzle may be configured such that the third planar member first joining area is bounded by the third planar member first edge, the third planar member second edge, the third planar member first fold line, and an imaginary line extending from substantially the midpoint of third planar member first fold line to substantially the midpoint of the third planar member second edge. The cooperating first planar member first joining area is bounded by the first planar member first edge, the first planar member fourth edge, the first planar member second fold line, and an imaginary line extending from substantially the midpoint of first planar member second fold line to substantially the midpoint of the first planar member fourth edge.




Similarly, the third planar member second joining area is bounded by the third planar member first edge, the third planar member fourth edge, the third planar member second fold line, and an imaginary line extending from substantially the midpoint of third planar member second fold line to substantially the midpoint of the third planar member fourth edge. The cooperating second planar member first joining area may be located on the second planar member second surface and is bounded by the second planar member first edge, the second planar member fourth edge, the second planar member second fold line, and an imaginary line extending from substantially the midpoint of second planar member second fold line to substantially the midpoint of the second planar member fourth edge.




Additionally, the fourth planar member first joining area is bounded by the fourth planar member first edge, the fourth planar member fourth edge, the fourth planar member first fold line, and an imaginary line extending from substantially the midpoint of the fourth planar member first fold line to substantially the midpoint of the fourth planar member fourth edge. The cooperating first planar member second joining area is located on the first planar member second surface and is bounded by the first planar member first edge, the first planar member second edge, the first planar member first fold line, and an imaginary line extending from substantially the midpoint of first planar member first fold line to substantially the midpoint of the first planar member fourth edge.




Lastly, the fourth planar member second joining area is bounded by the fourth planar member first edge, the fourth planar member second edge, the fourth planar member second fold line, and an imaginary line extending from substantially the midpoint of fourth planar member second fold line to substantially the midpoint of the fourth planar member second edge. The cooperating second planar member second joining area is located on the second planar member second surface and is bounded by the second planar member first edge, the second planar member second edge, the second planar member first fold line, and an imaginary line extending from substantially the midpoint of second planar member first fold line to substantially the midpoint of the second planar member second edge.




As the mechanism of the puzzle illusion is the creation of an apparently endless numbers of pass-throughs, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the manipulation of the puzzle may be begun in many possible orientations. By way of example and not limitation, the puzzle may be successfully manipulated in the following steps, with folding directions given in relation to the puzzle solver facing the puzzle.




The puzzle may be held in front of the puzzle solver with the first planar member and the second planar member oriented vertically with the first planar member first surface oriented towards the solver and on the solver's left side and the second planar member first surface oriented towards the solver and on the solver's right side. The first planar member may then be rotated to the left and outwardly, around a rotational line connecting the third planar member first fold line and the fourth planar member first fold line. This maneuver exposes the outer aspect of the first planar member second surface, the left lateral aspect of the third planar member second surface, and the left lateral aspect of the fourth planar member. The second planar member may then be rotated to the right and outwardly, around a rotational line connecting the third planar member second fold line and the fourth planar member second fold line. This maneuver exposes the outer aspect of the second planar member second surface, the right lateral aspect of the third planar member second surface, and the right lateral aspect of the fourth planar member.




Next, the fourth planar member may be rotated upwards and outwardly, around a rotational line connecting the first planar member first fold line and the second planar member first fold line. This exposes a portion of the fourth planar member second surface, an additional portion of the first planar member second surface, and an additional portion of the second planar member second surface. Next, the third planar member may be rotated downwards and outwardly around a rotational line connecting the first planar member second fold line and the second planar member second fold line. This exposes a portion of the third planar member second surface, an additional portion of the first planar member second surface, and an additional portion of the second planar member second surface.




The puzzle solution continues by rotating the left lateral aspect of the third planar member and the left lateral aspect of the fourth planar member about a rotational line connecting the third planar member first fold line and the fourth planar member first fold line, and by rotating the right lateral aspect of the third planar member and the right lateral aspect of the fourth planar member about a rotational line connecting the third planar member second fold line and the fourth planar member second fold line. This exposes the full surface of the third planar member first surface and the full surface of the fourth planar member first surface.




The puzzle solution may then be completed by rotating the third planar member downwards and outwardly about a rotational line connecting first planar member second fold line and the second planar member second fold line, and by rotating the fourth planar member upwards and outwardly around a rotational line connecting the first planar member first fold line and the second planar member first fold line. This returns the puzzle to its original configuration, completing the puzzle and fostering the illusion that the paper has been passed through itself. The process may be repeated a countless number of time, with each repetition serving to further engage the puzzle solver in deciphering the illusion.




In another one of the many preferable embodiments, the fold-through puzzle may be constructed from a single, incised, planar member. Such a configuration, because it uses a single planar member, increases the illusion that the puzzle accomplishes an impossible task.




In such configuration, the fold-through puzzle includes a single sheet base having a planar member with a defined center point. Such an embodiment further comprises a first corner, a second corner, a third corner, and a fourth corner. Such configuration results in a first edge connecting the fourth and first corners, a second edge connecting the first and second corners, a third edge connecting the second and third corners, and a fourth edge connecting the third and fourth corners. The planar member has a first surface and a second surface. The operation of such an embodiment is best understood by first identifying a number of points on the surface of the puzzle.




The sheet base may include a center point of the planar member, a first primary midpoint at the midpoint of the first edge, a second primary midpoint at the midpoint of the second edge, a third primary midpoint at the midpoint of the third edge, and a fourth primary midpoint at the midpoint of the fourth edge.




There may be a first secondary midpoint at the point along the first edge at the midpoint between the fourth corner and the first primary midpoint and a second secondary midpoint at the point along the first edge at the midpoint between the first primary midpoint and the first corner. There may be a third secondary midpoint at the point along the second edge at the midpoint between the first corner and the second primary midpoint and a fourth secondary midpoint at the point along the second edge at the midpoint between the second primary midpoint and the second corner. There may be a fifth secondary midpoint at the point along the third edge at the midpoint between the second corner and the third primary midpoint and a sixth secondary midpoint at the point along the third edge at the midpoint between the third primary midpoint and the third corner. There may be a seventh secondary midpoint at the point along the fourth edge at the midpoint between the third corner and the fourth primary midpoint and an eighth secondary midpoint at the point along the fourth edge at the midpoint between the fourth primary midpoint and the fourth corner.




There is a first tertiary midpoint at the midpoint of a line connecting the first primary midpoint and the second primary midpoint, a second tertiary midpoint at the midpoint of a line connecting the second primary midpoint and the third primary midpoint, a third tertiary midpoint at the midpoint of a line connecting the third primary midpoint and the fourth primary midpoint, and a fourth tertiary midpoint at the midpoint between the fourth primary midpoint and the first primary midpoint.




Reference to the abovementioned points identifies at least one incision through the square planar member. There is a first incision through the square planar member connecting the fourth tertiary midpoint and the center point of the square planar member and a second incision through the square planar member connecting the first tertiary midpoint and the center point of the square planar member. There is a third incision through the square planar member connecting the second tertiary midpoint and the center point of the square planar member and a fourth incision through the square planar member connecting the third tertiary midpoint and the center point


999


of the square planar member.




Reference to the abovementioned points identifies fold and pivot lines, about which the puzzle is manipulated in order to give rise to the puzzle illusion. The single planar member displays a plurality of fold lines, such that there may be a first fold line connecting the second secondary midpoint and the first tertiary midpoint and a second fold line connecting the third secondary midpoint and the first tertiary midpoint. There may be a third fold line connecting the fourth secondary midpoint and the first tertiary midpoint and a fourth fold line connecting the fifth secondary midpoint and the second tertiary midpoint. There may be a fifth fold line connecting the sixth secondary midpoint and the third tertiary midpoint and a sixth fold line connecting the seventh secondary midpoint and the third tertiary midpoint. There may be a seventh fold line connecting the eighth secondary midpoint and the fourth tertiary midpoint and an eighth fold line connecting the first secondary midpoint and the fourth tertiary midpoint.




The single planar member displays a plurality of pivot areas, such that there is a first pivot area having a first side defined by the first edge, a second side defined by the second fold line, a third side defined by the second incision, a fourth side defined by the first incision, and a fifth side defined by the eighth fold line, the first pivot area additionally having a first surface and a second surface.




There is a second pivot area having a first side defined by the second fold line, a second side defined by the second edge, a third side defined by the third fold line, a fourth side defined by the third incision, and a fifth side defined by the third incision, the second pivot area additionally having a first surface and a second surface.




There is a third pivot area having a first side defined by the third edge, a second side defined by the fourth fold line, a third side defined by the third incision, a fourth side defined by the fourth incision, and a fifth side defined by the fifth fold line, the third pivot area additionally having a first surface and a second surface.




There is a fourth pivot area having a first side defined by the seventh fold line, a second side defined by the first incision, a third side defined by the fourth incision, a fourth side defined by the sixth fold line, and a fifth side defined by the fourth edge, the fourth pivot area additionally having a first surface and a second surface.




Reference to the abovementioned fold and pivot lines also identifies corner areas of the puzzle. The single planar sheet displays a plurality of corner areas such that there is a first corner area having a first side defined by the first edge, a second side defined by the second edge, a third side defined by the second fold line and a fourth side defined by the first fold line, the first corner area additionally having a first surface and a second surface.




Additionally, there is a second corner area having a first side defined by the third fold line, a second side defined by the second edge, a third side defined by the third edge, and a fourth side defined by the fourth fold line, the second corner area additionally having a first surface and a second surface.




Similarly, there is a third corner area having a first side defined by the sixth fold line, a second side defined by the fifth fold line, a third side defined by the third edge, and a fourth side defined by the fourth edge, the third corner area additionally having a first surface and a second surface.




Lastly, there is a fourth corner area having a first side defined by the first edge, a second side defined by the eighth fold line, a third side defined by the seventh fold line and a fourth side defined by the fourth edge, the fourth corner area additionally having a first surface and a second surface.




As the mechanism of the puzzle illusion is the creation of an apparently endless numbers of pass-throughs, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the manipulation of the puzzle may be begun in many possible orientations. By way of example and not limitation, the puzzle may be successfully manipulated in the following steps, with folding and pivoting directions given in relation to the puzzle solver facing the puzzle.




The puzzle solution may begin with the puzzle solver facing the planar member from the first planar member first surface. The first manipulation may be of pivoting the first pivot area backwards and upwards, by simultaneously folding the fourth corner area along the seventh fold line and the first corner area along the second fold line, such that the fourth corner area lies behind the fourth pivot area and the first corner area lies behind the second pivot area. Next, the puzzle solver pivots the third pivot area downwards by simultaneously folding the second corner area along the third fold line and the third corner area along the sixth fold line, such that the second corner area lies behind the second pivot area and the third corner area lies behind the fourth pivot area. This exposes a portion of the first pivot area second surface, the second pivot area first surface, a portion of the third pivot area second surface, and the fourth pivot area first surface.




The puzzle solver next pivots the fourth pivot area to the left and the second pivot area to the right. This reveals all of the first pivot area second surface and the third pivot area second surface portion, as well as a portion of the fourth pivot area second surface and a portion of the second pivot area second surface.




The puzzle solver then pivots the first pivot area upwards and the third pivot area downwards, thus exposing the fourth corner area second surface, the first corner area second surface, the second pivot area second surface, the second corner area second surface, the third corner area second surface, and the fourth pivot area second surface. The puzzle is completed and returned to its original configuration by pivoting the fourth pivot area to the left and outwards by simultaneously folding the fourth corner area outwards and to the left, along the eighth fold line and the third corner area outwards and to the left along the fifth fold line; and then folding the second pivot area outwards and to the right by simultaneously folding the first corner area along the first fold line and the second corner area along the fourth fold line. This maneuver completes the puzzle and the illusion thereof and returns the puzzle to the opening configuration.




In the various embodiments, it is envisioned that the planar surface or surfaces of the puzzle will have generally cooperating sections of differing color, imagery or text; or some combination thereof; imprinted on them. The folding of the puzzle will cause a change in the relative positions of the cooperating sections so as to produce an arresting or amusing image to the puzzle viewer. Such cooperating sections may be formed with advertising indicia, such as text or imagery, or may be configured purely for the amusement of the viewer. Additionally, such cooperating segments may differ in the textural or other surface characteristics.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS




Without limiting the scope of the present invention as claimed below and referring now to the drawings and figures:





FIG. 1

shows a folding puzzle in elevated perspective view, in reduced scale;





FIG. 2

shows the folding puzzle of

FIG. 1

in elevated perspective view, in reduced scale;





FIG. 3

shows the folding puzzle of

FIG. 1

in elevated perspective view, in reduced scale;





FIG. 4

shows the folding puzzle of

FIG. 1

in elevated perspective view, in reduced scale;





FIG. 5

shows the folding puzzle of

FIG. 1

in elevated perspective view, in reduced scale;





FIG. 6

shows a variation of the folding puzzle of

FIG. 1

in top plan view, in reduced scale;





FIG. 7

shows the back side of the folding puzzle of

FIG. 6

in plan view, in reduced scale;





FIG. 8

shows the folding puzzle of

FIG. 6

in top plan view, in reduced scale;





FIG. 9

shows the folding puzzle of

FIG. 6

in top plan view, in reduced scale;





FIG. 10

shows the folding puzzle of

FIG. 6

in top plan view, in reduced scale;





FIG. 11

shows the back side of the folding puzzle of

FIG. 6

in plan view, in reduced scale





FIG. 12

shows the folding puzzle of

FIG. 6

in top plan view, in reduced scale;





FIG. 13

shows the folding puzzle of

FIG. 6

in top plan view, in reduced scale;





FIG. 14

shows the folding puzzle of

FIG. 6

in top plan view, in reduced scale; and





FIG. 15

shows the folding puzzle of

FIG. 6

in top plan view, in reduced scale.











Also, in the various figures and drawings, the following reference symbols and letters are used to identify the various elements described herein below in connection with the several figures and illustrations: R.




DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION




The fold-through puzzle of the instant invention enables a significant advance in the state of the art. The preferred embodiments of the apparatus accomplish this by new and novel arrangements of elements that are configured in unique and novel ways and which demonstrate previously unavailable but preferred and desirable capabilities.




The detailed description set forth below in connection with the drawings is intended merely as a description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the designs, functions, means, and methods of implementing the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and features may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. The fold-through puzzle of the instant invention includes at least one planar member and a plurality of fold lines, such that the puzzle may be manipulated to create the illusion that paper is being endlessly passed through itself. With reference generally to

FIG. 1 through 15

, in one of the many preferable configurations, the fold-through puzzle incorporates, among other elements, at least one planar member


100


,


200


,


300


,


400


,


500


.




With reference specifically now to

FIGS. 1 through 5

, in one of the many preferable embodiments, the fold-through puzzle incorporates, among other elements, a first planar member


100


, a second planar member


200


, a third planar member


300


, and a fourth planar member


400


. In this embodiment, the puzzle includes a plurality of planar members as follows. There is a first planar member


100


having a first surface


110


, a second surface


120


, a first fold line


130


, and a second fold line


140


. There is a second planar member


200


, substantially coplanar with the first planar member


100


, having a first surface


210


, a second surface


220


, a first fold line


230


, and a second fold line


240


. Similarly, there is a third planar member


300


having a first surface


310


, a second surface


320


, a first fold line


330


, and a second fold line


340


, wherein the first planar member second surface


120


and the third planar member second surface


320


are joined in part at a first joining location


150


and the second planar member second surface


220


and the third planar member second surface


320


are joined in part at a second joining location


250


. There is a fourth planar member


400


, substantially coplanar with the third planar member


300


, having a first surface


410


, a second surface


420


, a first fold line


430


, and a second fold line


440


wherein the first planar member second surface


120


and the fourth planar member second surface


420


are joined in part at a third joining location


350


and the second planar member second surface


220


and the fourth planar member second surface


420


are joined in part at a fourth joining location


450


.




The fold-through puzzle may be configured such that the first joining location


150


joins a third planar member first joining area


360


and a first planar member first joining area


160


. The second joining location


250


may join a third planar member second joining area


370


and a second planar member first joining area


260


. The third joining location


350


may join a fourth planar member first joining area


460


and a first planar member second joining area


170


. The fourth joining location


450


may join a fourth planar member second joining area


470


and a second planar member second joining area


270


.




Referring to

FIG. 1

, the arrangement of the planar members is such that the first planar member


100


may pivot about the first fold line


330


of the third planar member


300


and the first fold line


430


of the fourth planar member


400


. The second planar member


200


may pivot about the second fold line


340


of the third planar member


300


and the second fold line


440


of the fourth planar member


400


. The third planar member


300


may pivot about the second fold line


140


of the first planar member


100


and the second fold line


240


of the second planar member


200


. The fourth planar member


400


may pivot about the first fold line


130


of the first planar member


100


and the first fold line


230


of the second planar member


200


.




The fold-through puzzle may be configured such that the first planar member


100


is substantially rectangular and formed with a first edge


102


, a second edge


104


, a third edge


106


, and a fourth edge


108


. In such configuration, the second planar member


200


may be substantially rectangular and formed with a first edge


202


, a second edge


204


, a third edge


203


, and a fourth edge


204


. Similarly, the third planar member


300


may be substantially rectangular and formed with a first edge


302


, a second edge


304


, a third edge


306


, and a fourth edge


308


; and the fourth planar member


400


may be substantially rectangular and formed with a first edge


402


, a second edge


404


, a third edge


406


, and a fourth edge


408


.




In terms of relationships between the planar members


100


,


200


,


300


,


400


, the fold-through puzzle may be configured such that the first planar member first fold line


130


and the first planar member second fold line


140


are substantially parallel to the first planar member second edge


104


. In one particular embodiment, the first fold line


130


may be located approximately one quarter of the length of the first planar member first edge


102


away from the second edge


104


and the second fold line


140


may be located approximately three quarters of the length of the first planar member first edge


102


away from the second edge


104


.




Similarly, the second planar member first fold line


230


and the second planar member second fold line


240


may be substantially parallel to the second planar member second edge


204


.




The first fold line


230


may be located approximately one quarter of the length of the second planar member first edge


202


away from the second edge


204


and the second fold line


240


may be located approximately three quarters of the length of the first planar member first edge


102


away from the second edge


204


. Thirdly, the third planar member first fold line


330


and the third planar member second fold line


340


may be substantially parallel to the third planar member second edge


304


. The first fold line


330


may be located approximately one quarter of the length of the third planar member first edge


302


away from the second edge


304


and second fold line


340


may be located approximately three quarters of the length of the third planar member first edge


302


away from the second edge


304


.




Lastly, the fourth planar member first fold line


430


and the fourth planar member second fold line


440


may be substantially parallel to the fourth planar member second edge


404


. The first fold line


430


may be located approximately one quarter of the length of the fourth planar member first edge


402


away from the second edge


404


and second fold line


440


may be located approximately three quarters of the length of the fourth planar member first edge


402


away from the second edge


404


.




Joining may be by means of adhesives, mechanical fasteners, or such other joining methods as would be understood feasible by one skilled in the art.




Additionally, referring still to

FIG. 1

, the fold-through puzzle may be configured such that the third planar member first joining area


360


is bounded by the third planar member first edge


302


, the third planar member second edge


304


, the third planar member first fold line


330


, and an imaginary line extending from substantially the midpoint of third planar member first fold line


330


to substantially the midpoint of the third planar member second edge


304


. The cooperating first planar member first joining area


160


is bounded by the first planar member first edge


102


, the first planar member fourth edge


108


, the first planar member second fold line


140


, and an imaginary line extending from substantially the midpoint of first planar member second fold line


140


to substantially the midpoint of the first planar member fourth edge


108


.




Similarly, referring still to

FIG. 1

, the third planar member second joining area


370


is bounded by the third planar member first edge


302


, the third planar member fourth edge


308


, the third planar member second fold line


340


, and an imaginary line extending from substantially the midpoint of third planar member second fold line


340


to substantially the midpoint of the third planar member fourth edge


308


. The cooperating second planar member first joining area


260


may be located on the second planar member second surface


220


and is bounded by the second planar member first edge


202


, the second planar member fourth edge


208


, the second planar member second fold line


240


, and an imaginary line extending from substantially the midpoint of second planar member second fold line


240


to substantially the midpoint of the second planar member fourth edge


208


.




Additionally, still referring to

FIG. 1

, the fourth planar member first joining area


460


is bounded by the fourth planar member first edge


402


, the fourth planar member fourth edge


408


, the fourth planar member first fold line


430


, and an imaginary line extending from substantially the midpoint of fourth planar member first fold line


430


to substantially the midpoint of the fourth planar member fourth edge


408


. The cooperating first planar member second joining area


170


is located on the first planar member second surface


120


and is bounded by the first planar member first edge


102


, the first planar member second edge


104


, the first planar member first fold line


130


, and an imaginary line extending from substantially the midpoint of first planar member first fold line


130


to substantially the midpoint of the first planar member fourth edge


108


.




Lastly, and still referring to

FIG. 1

, the fourth planar member second joining area


470


is bounded by the fourth planar member first edge


402


, the fourth planar member second edge


404


, the fourth planar member second fold line


440


, and an imaginary line extending from substantially the midpoint of fourth planar member second fold line


440


to substantially the midpoint of the fourth planar member second edge


404


. The cooperating second planar member second joining area


270


is located on the second planar member second surface


220


and is bounded by the second planar member first edge


202


, the second planar member second edge


204


, the second planar member first fold line


230


, and an imaginary line extending from substantially the midpoint of second planar member first fold line


230


to substantially the midpoint of the second planar member second edge


204


.




As the mechanism of the puzzle illusion is the creation of an apparently endless numbers of pass-throughs, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the manipulation of the puzzle may be begun in many possible orientations. By way of example and not limitation, and referring specifically to

FIGS. 2 through 5

, the puzzle may be successfully manipulated in the following steps, with folding directions given in relation to the puzzle solver facing the puzzle.




The puzzle may be held in front of the puzzle solver with the first planar member


100


and the second planar member


200


oriented vertically with the first planar member first surface


110


oriented towards the solver and on the solver's left side and the second planar member first surface


210


oriented towards the solver and on the solver's right side, as illustrated in FIG.


1


. The first planar member


100


may then be rotated to the left and outwardly, as indicated by rotation reference R, around a rotational line connecting the third planar member first fold line


330


and the fourth planar member first fold line


430


. This maneuver exposes the outer aspect of the first planar member second surface


120


, the left lateral aspect of the third planar member second surface


320


, and the left lateral aspect of the fourth planar member


420


. The second planar member


200


may then be rotated to the right and outwardly, as indicated by rotation reference R, around a rotational line connecting the third planar member second fold line


340


and the fourth planar member second fold line


440


. This maneuver exposes the outer aspect of the second planar member second surface


220


, the right lateral aspect of the third planar member second surface


320


, and the right lateral aspect of the fourth planar member


420


, as illustrated in FIG.


3


.




Next, the fourth planar member


400


may be rotated upwards and outwardly, as indicated by rotation reference R, around a rotational line connecting the first planar member first fold line


130


and the second planar member first fold line


230


. This exposes a portion of the fourth planar member second surface


420


, an additional portion of the first planar member second surface


120


, and an additional portion of the second planar member second surface


220


, as shown in FIG.


4


. Next, the third planar member


300


may be rotated downwards and outwardly around a rotational line, as indicated by rotation reference R, connecting the first planar member second fold line


140


and the second planar member second fold line


240


. This exposes a portion of the third planar member second surface


320


, an additional portion of the first planar member second surface


120


, and an additional portion of the second planar member second surface


220


, as seen in FIG.


4


.




The puzzle solution continues by rotating the left lateral aspect of the third planar member


300


and the left lateral aspect of the fourth planar member


400


about a rotational line, as indicated by rotation reference R, connecting the third planar member first fold line


330


and the fourth planar member first fold line


430


, and by rotating the right lateral aspect of the third planar member


300


and the right lateral aspect of the fourth planar member


400


about a rotational line, as indicated by rotation reference R, connecting the third planar member second fold line


340


and the fourth planar member second fold line


440


. This exposes the full surface of the third planar member first surface


310


and the full surface of the fourth planar member first surface


410


, as seen in FIG.


5


.




The puzzle solution may then be completed by rotating the third planar member


300


downwards and outwardly, as indicated by rotation reference R, about a rotational line connecting first planar member second fold line


140


and the second planar member second fold line


240


, and by rotating the fourth planar member


400


upwards and outwardly around a rotational line, as indicated by rotation reference R, connecting first planar member first fold line


130


and the second planar member first fold line


230


. This returns the puzzle to its original configuration as seen in

FIG. 2

, completing the puzzle and fostering the illusion that the paper has been passed through itself. The process may be repeated a countless number of time, with each repetition serving to further engage the puzzle solver in deciphering the illusion.




With reference specifically now to

FIGS. 6 through 15

, in another one of the many preferable embodiments, the fold-through puzzle may be constructed from a single, incised, planar member


500


. Such a configuration, because it uses a single planar member


500


, increases the illusion that the puzzle accomplished an impossible task.




In such configuration, illustrated in

FIG. 6

, the fold-through puzzle includes a single sheet base having a planar member


500


with a defined center point


999


. Such an embodiment further comprises a first corner


501


, a second corner


503


, a third corner


505


, and a fourth corner


507


. Such configuration results in a first edge


502


connecting the fourth


507


and first corners


501


, a second edge


504


connecting the first


501


and second corners


503


, a third edge


506


connecting the second


503


and third corners


505


, and a fourth edge


508


connecting the third


505


and fourth corners


507


. The planar member


500


has a first surface


510


, seen in

FIG. 6

, and a second surface


520


, seen in FIG.


7


.




The operation of such an embodiment is best understood by first identifying a number of points on the surface of the puzzle, as illustrated in FIG.


8


.




The sheet base may include a center point


999


of the planar member


500


, a first primary midpoint


701


at the midpoint of the first edge


502


, a second primary midpoint


702


at the midpoint of the second edge


504


, a third primary midpoint


703


at the midpoint of the third edge


506


, and a fourth primary midpoint


704


at the midpoint of the fourth edge


508


.




With reference now to FIG.


6


and

FIG. 8

, there may be a first secondary midpoint


801


at the point along the first edge


502


at the midpoint between the fourth corner


507


and the first primary midpoint


701


and a second secondary midpoint


802


at the point along the first edge


502


at the midpoint between the first primary midpoint


701


and the first corner


501


. There may be a third secondary midpoint


803


at the point along the second edge


504


at the midpoint between the first corner


501


and the second primary midpoint


702


and a fourth secondary midpoint


804


at the point along the second edge


504


at the midpoint between the second primary midpoint


702


and the second corner


503


. There may be a fifth secondary midpoint


805


at the point along the third edge


506


at the midpoint between the second corner


503


and the third primary midpoint


703


and a sixth secondary midpoint


806


at the point along the third edge


506


at the midpoint between the third primary midpoint


703


and the third corner


505


. There may be a seventh secondary midpoint


807


at the point along the fourth edge


508


at the midpoint between the third corner


505


and the fourth primary midpoint


704


and an eighth secondary midpoint


808


at the point along the fourth edge


508


at the midpoint between the fourth primary midpoint


704


and the fourth corner


507


.




With continued reference to

FIG. 8

, there is a first tertiary midpoint


901


at the midpoint of a line connecting the first primary midpoint


701


and the second primary midpoint


702


, a second tertiary midpoint


902


at the midpoint of a line connecting the second primary midpoint


702


and the third primary midpoint


703


, a third tertiary midpoint


903


at the midpoint of a line connecting the third primary midpoint


703


and the fourth primary midpoint


704


, and a fourth tertiary midpoint


904


at the midpoint of a line connecting the fourth primary midpoint


704


and the first primary midpoint


701


.




Reference to the abovementioned points identifies at least one incision through the square planar member


500


. There is a first incision


652


through the square planar member


500


connecting the fourth tertiary midpoint


904


and the center point


999


of the square planar member


500


and a second incision


654


through the square planar member


500


connecting the first tertiary midpoint


901


and the center point


999


of the square planar member


500


. There is a third incision


656


through the square planar member


500


connecting the second tertiary midpoint


902


and the center point


999


of the square planar member


500


and a fourth incision


658


through the square planar member


500


connecting the third tertiary midpoint


903


and the center point


999


of the square planar member


500


.




Reference to the abovementioned points identifies fold and pivot lines, about which the puzzle is manipulated in order to give rise to the puzzle illusion. Referring still to

FIG. 8

, the single planar member


500


displays a plurality of fold lines, such that there may be a first fold line


535


connecting the second secondary midpoint


802


and the first tertiary midpoint


901


and a second fold line


535


connecting the third secondary midpoint


803


and the first tertiary midpoint


901


. There may be a third fold line


540


connecting the fourth secondary midpoint


804


and the first tertiary midpoint


902


and a fourth fold line


545


connecting the fifth secondary midpoint


805


and the second tertiary midpoint


902


. There may be a fifth fold line


550


connecting the sixth secondary midpoint


806


and the third tertiary midpoint


903


and a sixth fold line


555


connecting the seventh secondary midpoint


807


and the third tertiary midpoint


903


. There may be a seventh fold line


560


connecting the eighth secondary midpoint


808


and the fourth tertiary midpoint


904


and an eighth fold line


565


connecting the first secondary midpoint


801


and the fourth tertiary midpoint


904


.




Referring now to

FIG. 9

, the single planar member


500


displays a plurality of pivot areas, such that there is a first pivot area


570


having a first side


571


defined by the first edge


502


, a second side


572


defined by the second fold line


530


, a third side


573


defined by the second incision


654


, a fourth side


574


defined by the first incision


652


, and a fifth side


575


defined by the eighth fold line


565


, the first pivot area


570


additionally having a first surface


577


as illustrated in

FIG. 10 and a

second surface


578


as illustrated in FIG.


11


.




Referring again to

FIG. 9

, there is a second pivot area


580


having a first side


581


defined by the second fold line


535


, a second side


582


defined by the second edge


504


, a third side


583


defined by the third fold line


540


, a fourth side


584


defined by the third incision


656


, and a fifth side


585


defined by the third incision


656


, the second pivot area


580


additionally having a first surface


587


as illustrated in

FIG. 10 and a

second surface


588


, as illustrated in FIG.


11


.




Referring again to

FIG. 9

, there is a third pivot area


590


having a first side


591


defined by the third edge


506


, a second side


592


defined by the fourth fold line


545


, a third side


593


defined by the third incision


656


, a fourth side


594


defined by the fourth incision


656


, and a fifth side


595


defined by the fifth fold line


550


, the third pivot area additionally having a first surface


597


as illustrated in

FIG. 10 and a

second surface


598


, as illustrated in FIG.


11


.




Also referring to

FIG. 9

, there is a fourth pivot area


600


having a first side


601


defined by the seventh fold line


560


, a second side


602


defined by the first incision


652


, a third side


603


defined by the fourth incision


658


, a fourth side


604


defined by the sixth fold line


555


, and a fifth side


605


defined by the fourth edge


508


, the fourth pivot area


600


additionally having a first surface


607


as illustrated in

FIG. 10 and a

second surface


608


, as illustrated in FIG.


11


.




Reference to the abovementioned fold and pivot lines also identifies corner areas of the puzzle. The single planar sheet


500


displays a plurality of corner areas, illustrated in FIG.


10


and

FIG. 11

, such that there is a first corner area


610


having a first side


611


defined by the first edge


502


, a second side


612


defined by the second edge


504


, a third side


613


defined by the second fold line


535


and a fourth side


614


defined by the first fold line


530


, the first corner area additionally having a first surface


616


as illustrated in

FIG. 10 and a

second surface


617


, as illustrated in FIG.


11


.




Additionally, there is a second corner area


620


having a first side


621


defined by the third fold line


540


, a second side


622


defined by the second edge


504


, a third side


623


defined by the third edge


506


, and a fourth side


624


defined by the fourth fold line


545


, the second corner area


620


additionally having a first surface


626


as illustrated in

FIG. 10 and a

second surface


627


, as illustrated in FIG.


11


.




Similarly, there is a third corner area


630


having a first side


631


defined by the sixth fold line


555


, a second side


632


defined by the fifth fold line


550


, a third side


630


defined by the third edge


506


, and a fourth side


634


defined by the fourth edge


508


, the third corner


630


area additionally having a first surface


636


as illustrated in

FIG. 10 and a

second surface


637


, as illustrated in FIG.


11


.




Lastly, there is a fourth corner area


640


having a first side


641


defined by the first edge


502


, a second side


642


defined by the eighth fold line


565


, a third side


643


defined by the seventh fold line


560


and a fourth side


644


defined by the fourth edge


508


, the fourth corner area


640


additionally having a first surface


646


as illustrated in

FIG. 10 and a

second surface


647


, as illustrated in FIG.


11


.




As the mechanism of the puzzle illusion is the creation of an apparently endless numbers of pass-throughs, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the manipulation of the puzzle may be begun in many possible orientations. By way of example and not limitation, and referring specifically to

FIGS. 12 through 15

, the puzzle may be successfully manipulated in the following steps, with folding and pivoting directions given in relation to the puzzle solver facing the puzzle.




The puzzle solution may begin with the puzzle solver facing the planar member


500


from the first planar member first surface


510


as seen in

FIG. 6

, and viewing pivot areas


570


,


580


,


590


, and


600


, as seen in FIG.


12


. The first manipulation may be of pivoting the first pivot area


570


backwards and upwards, as indicated by rotational reference letter R, by simultaneously folding the fourth corner area


640


along the seventh fold line


560


and the first corner area


610


along the second fold line


535


, such that the fourth corner area


640


lies behind the fourth pivot area


600


and the first corner area


610


lies behind the second pivot area


580


.




Next, the puzzle solver pivots the third pivot area downwards, as indicated by rotational reference letter R, by simultaneously folding the second corner area


620


along the third fold line


540


and the third corner area


630


along the sixth fold line


555


, such that the second corner area


620


lies behind the second pivot area


580


and the third corner area


630


lies behind the fourth pivot area


600


. This produces the configuration seen in

FIG. 13

, and exposes a portion of the first pivot area second surface


578


, the second pivot area first surface


587


, a portion of the third pivot area second surface


598


, and the fourth pivot area first surface


607


.




The puzzle continues from the position seen in FIG.


13


. The puzzle solver pivots the fourth pivot area


600


to the left and the second pivot area


580


to the right, as indicated by rotational reference letter R. This reveals all of the first pivot area second surface


578


and the third pivot area second surface portion


598


, as well as a portion of the fourth pivot area second surface


608


and a portion of the second pivot area second surface


588


, thereby producing the configuration as seen in FIG.


14


.




The puzzle continues from the position seen in FIG.


14


. The puzzle solver pivots the first pivot area


570


upwards and the third pivot area


590


downwards, as indicated by rotational reference letter R, thus exposing fourth corner area second surface


647


, the first corner area second surface


617


, the second pivot area second surface


588


, the second corner area second surface


627


, the third corner area second surface


637


, and the fourth pivot area second surface


608


, thereby producing the configuration as seen in FIG.


15


.




Beginning with the position as seen in

FIG. 15

, the puzzle is completed and returned to its original configuration by pivoting the fourth pivot area


600


to the left and outwards, as indicated by rotational reference letter R, by simultaneously folding the fourth corner area


640


outwards and to the left, along the eighth fold line


565


, and the third corner area


630


outwards and to the left along the fifth fold line


550


, and then folding the second pivot area


580


outwards and to the right, as indicated by rotational reference letter R, by simultaneously folding the first corner area


610


along the first fold line


530


and the second corner area


630


along the fourth fold line


545


. This maneuver completes the puzzle and the illusion thereof and returns the puzzle to the opening configuration seen in FIG.


12


.




In the various embodiments, it is envisioned that the planar surface or surfaces of the puzzle will have generally cooperating sections of differing color, imagery or text; or some combination thereof; imprinted on them. The folding of the puzzle will cause a change in the relative positions of the cooperating sections so as to produce an arresting or amusing image to the puzzle viewer. Such cooperating sections may be formed with advertising indicia, such as text or imagery, or may be configured purely for the amusement of the viewer. Additionally, such cooperating segments may differ in the textural or other surface characteristics.




These variations, modifications, alternatives, and alterations of the various preferred embodiments, arrangements, and configurations may be used alone or in combination with one another as will become more readily apparent to those with skill in the art with reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying figures and drawings.




Numerous alterations, modifications, and variations of the preferred embodiments disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art and they are all anticipated and contemplated to be within the spirit and scope of the instant invention. For example, although specific embodiments have been described in detail, those with skill in the art will understand that the preceding embodiments and variations can be modified to incorporate various types of substitute and or additional or alternative materials, relative arrangement of elements, and dimensional configurations. Accordingly, even though only few variations of the present invention are described herein, it is to be understood that the practice of such additional modifications and variations and the equivalents thereof, are within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.



Claims
  • 1. A folding puzzle, comprising:a first planar member having a first surface, a second surface, a first fold line, and a second fold line; a second planar member, substantially coplanar with the first planar member, having a first surface, a second surface, a first fold line, and a second fold line; a third planar member having a first surface, a second surface, a first fold line, and a second fold line wherein the first planar member second surface and the third planar member second surface are joined in part at a first joining location and the second planar member second surface and the third planar member second surface are joined in part at a second joining location; and a fourth planar member, substantially coplanar with the third planar surface, having a first surface, a second surface, a first fold line, and a second fold line wherein the first planar member second surface and the fourth planar member second surface are joined in part at a third joining location and the second planar member second surface and the fourth planar member second surface are joined in part at a fourth joining location, wherein (a) the first planar member may pivot about the first fold line of the third planar member and the first fold line of the fourth planar member, (b) the second planar member may pivot about the second fold line of the third planar member and the second fold line of the fourth planar member, (c) the third planar member may pivot about the second fold line of the first planar member and the second fold line of the second planar member, and (d) the fourth planar member may pivot about the first fold line of the first planar member and the first fold line of the second planar member.
  • 2. The folding puzzle to claim 1, wherein the first planar member is substantially rectangular and formed with a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge; the second planar member is substantially rectangular and formed with a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge; the third planar member is substantially rectangular and formed with a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge; and the fourth planar member is substantially rectangular and formed with a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge.
  • 3. The folding puzzle to claim 2, wherein (a) the first planar member first fold line and the first planar member second fold line are substantially parallel to the first planar member second edge and the first fold line is located approximately one quarter of the length of the first planar member first edge away from the second edge and the second fold line is located approximately three quarters of the length of the first planar member first edge away from the second edge, (b) the second planar member first fold line and the second planar member second fold line are substantially parallel to the second planar member second edge and the first fold line is located approximately one quarter of the length of the second planar member first edge away from the second edge and the second fold line is located approximately three quarters of the length of the first planar member first edge away from the second edge, (c) the third planar member first fold line and the third planar member second fold line are substantially parallel to the third planar member second edge and the first fold line is located approximately one quarter of the length of the third planar member first edge away from the second edge and second fold line is located approximately three quarters of the length of the third planar member first edge away from the second edge, and (d) the fourth planar member first fold line and the fourth planar member second fold line are substantially parallel to the fourth planar member second edge and the first fold line is located approximately one quarter of the length of the fourth planar member first edge away from the second edge and second fold line is located approximately three quarters of the length of the fourth planar member first edge away from the second edge.
  • 4. The folding puzzle of claim 2, wherein (a) the first joining location joins a third planar member first joining area and a first planar member first joining area, (b) the second joining location joins a third planar member second joining area and a second planar member first joining area, (c) the third joining location joins a fourth planar member first joining area and a first planar member second joining area, and (d) the fourth joining location joins a fourth planar member second joining area and a second planar member second joining area.
  • 5. The folding puzzle to claim 2, wherein (a) the first joining area is located on the third planar member second surface and is bounded by the third planar member first edge, the third planar member second edge, the third planar member first fold line, and an imaginary line extending from substantially the midpoint of third planar member first fold line to substantially the midpoint of the third planar member second edge and the cooperating first joining area is located on the first planar member second surface and is bounded by the first planar member first edge, the first planar member fourth edge, the first planar member second fold line, and an imaginary line extending from substantially the midpoint of first planar member second fold line to substantially the midpoint of the first planar member fourth edge; (b) the second joining area is located on the third planar member second surface and is bounded by the third planar member first edge, the third planar member fourth edge, the third planar member second fold line, and an imaginary line extending from substantially the midpoint of third planar member second fold line to substantially the midpoint of the third planar member fourth edge and the cooperating first joining area is located on the second planar member second surface and is bounded by the second planar member first edge, the second planar member fourth edge, the second planar member second fold line, and an imaginary line extending from substantially the midpoint of second planar member second fold line to substantially the midpoint of the second planar member fourth edge; (c) the first joining area is located on the fourth planar member second surface and is bounded by the fourth planar member first edge, the fourth planar member fourth edge, the fourth planar member first fold line, and an imaginary line extending from substantially the midpoint of fourth planar member first fold line to substantially the midpoint of the fourth planar member fourth edge and the cooperating second joining area is located on the first planar member second surface and is bounded by the first planar member first edge, the first planar member second edge, the first planar member first fold line, and an imaginary line extending from substantially the midpoint of first planar member first fold line to substantially the midpoint of the first planar member fourth edge; and (d) the second joining area is located on the fourth planar member second surface and is bounded by the fourth planar member first edge, the fourth planar member second edge, the fourth planar member second fold line, and an imaginary line extending from substantially the midpoint of fourth planar member second fold line to substantially the midpoint of the fourth planar member second edge and the cooperating second joining area is located on the second planar member second surface and is bounded by the second planar member first edge, the second planar member second edge, the second planar member first fold line, and an imaginary line extending from substantially the midpoint of second planar member first fold line to substantially the midpoint of the second planar member second edge.
  • 6. A folding puzzle, comprising:a first planar member having a first surface, a second surface, a first fold line, and a second fold line, wherein the first planar member is substantially rectangular and formed with a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge; a second planar member, substantially coplanar with the first planar member, having a first surface, a second surface, a first fold line, and a second fold line, wherein the second planar member is substantially rectangular and formed with a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge; a third planar member having a first surface, a second surface, a first fold line, and a second fold line wherein the third planar member is substantially rectangular and formed with a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge, and the first planar member second surface and the third planar member second surface are joined in part at a first joining location and the second planar member second surface and the third planar member second surface are joined in part at a second joining location; a fourth planar member, substantially coplanar with the third planar surface, having a first surface, a second surface, a first fold line, and a second fold line wherein the fourth planar member is substantially rectangular and formed with a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge, and the first planar member second surface and the fourth planar member second surface are joined in part at a third joining location and the second planar member second surface and the fourth planar member second surface are joined in part at a fourth joining location, wherein (a) the first planar member may pivot about the first fold line of the third planar member and the first fold line of the fourth planar member, (b) the second planar member may pivot about the second fold line of the third planar member and the second fold line of the fourth planar member, (c) the third planar member may pivot about the second fold line of the first planar member and the second fold line of the second planar member, and (d) the fourth planar member may pivot about the first fold line of the first planar member and the first fold line of the second planar member; and the surface area of the first planar member first surface and the second planar member first surface is substantially equal to the surface area of the third planar member first surface and the fourth planar member first surface.
  • 7. The folding puzzle to claim 6, wherein (a) the first planar member first fold line and the first planar member second fold line are substantially parallel to the first planar member second edge and the first fold line is located approximately one quarter of the length of the first planar member first edge away from the second edge and the second fold line is located approximately three quarters of the length of the first planar member first edge away from the second edge, (b) the second planar member first fold line and the second planar member second fold line are substantially parallel to the second planar member second edge and the first fold line is located approximately one quarter of the length of the second planar member first edge away from the second edge and the second fold line is located approximately three quarters of the length of the first planar member first edge away from the second edge, (c) the third planar member first fold line and the third planar member second fold line are substantially parallel to the third planar member second edge and the first fold line is located approximately one quarter of the length of the third planar member first edge away from the second edge and second fold line is located approximately three quarters of the length of the third planar member first edge away from the second edge, and (d) the fourth planar member first fold line and the fourth planar member second fold line are substantially parallel to the fourth planar member second edge and the first fold line is located approximately one quarter of the length of the fourth planar member first edge away from the second edge and second fold line is located approximately three quarters of the length of the fourth planar member first edge away from the second edge.
  • 8. The folding puzzle of claim 7, wherein (a) the first joining location joins a third planar member first joining area and a first planar member first joining area, (b) the second joining location joins a third planar member second joining area and a second planar member first joining area, (c) the third joining location joins a fourth planar member first joining area and a first planar member second joining area, and (d) the fourth joining location joins a fourth planar member second joining area and a second planar member second joining area.
  • 9. The folding puzzle to claim 7, wherein (a) the first joining area is located on the third planar member second surface and is bounded by the third planar member first edge, the third planar member second edge, the third planar member first fold line, and an imaginary line extending from substantially the midpoint of third planar member first fold line to substantially the midpoint of the third planar member second edge and the cooperating first joining area is located on the first planar member second surface and is bounded by the first planar member first edge, the first planar member fourth edge, the first planar member second fold line, and an imaginary line extending from substantially the midpoint of first planar member second fold line to substantially the midpoint of the first planar member fourth edge; (b) the second joining area is located on the third planar member second surface and is bounded by the third planar member first edge, the third planar member fourth edge, the third planar member second fold line, and an imaginary line extending from substantially the midpoint of third planar member second fold line to substantially the midpoint of the third planar member fourth edge and the cooperating first joining area is located on the second planar member second surface and is bounded by the second planar member first edge, the second planar member fourth edge, the second planar member second fold line, and an imaginary line extending from substantially the midpoint of second planar member second fold line to substantially the midpoint of the second planar member fourth edge; (c) the first joining area is located on the fourth planar member second surface and is bounded by the fourth planar member first edge, the fourth planar member fourth edge, the fourth planar member first fold line, and an imaginary line extending from substantially the midpoint of fourth planar member first fold line to substantially the midpoint of the fourth planar member fourth edge and the cooperating second joining area is located on the first planar member second surface and is bounded by the first planar member first edge, the first planar member second edge, the first planar member first fold line, and an imaginary line extending from substantially the midpoint of first planar member first fold line to substantially the midpoint of the first planar member fourth edge; and (d) the second joining area is located on the fourth planar member second surface and is bounded by the fourth planar member first edge, the fourth planar member second edge, the fourth planar member second fold line, and an imaginary line extending from substantially the midpoint of fourth planar member second fold line to substantially the midpoint of the fourth planar member second edge and the cooperating second joining area is located on the second planar member second surface and is bounded by the second planar member first edge, the second planar member second edge, the second planar member first fold line, and an imaginary line extending from substantially the midpoint of second planar member first fold line to substantially the midpoint of the second planar member second edge.
  • 10. A folding puzzle comprising a single sheet base having a planar member of predetermined length, width, and square shape further comprising:a first corner, a second corner, a third corner, and a fourth corner; a first edge connecting the fourth and first corners; a second edge connecting the first and second corners; a third edge connecting the second and third corners; a fourth edge connecting the third and fourth corners; a center point of the square planar member; a first primary midpoint at the midpoint of the first edge; a second primary midpoint at the midpoint of the second edge; a third primary midpoint at the midpoint of the third edge; a fourth primary midpoint at the midpoint of the fourth edge; a first secondary midpoint at the point along the first edge at the midpoint between the fourth corner and the first primary midpoint; a second secondary midpoint at the point along the first edge at the midpoint between the first primary midpoint and the first corner; a third secondary midpoint at the point along the second edge at the midpoint between the first corner and the second primary midpoint; a fourth secondary midpoint at the point along the second edge at the midpoint between the second primary midpoint and the second corner; a fifth secondary midpoint at the point along the third edge at the midpoint between the second corner and the third primary midpoint; a sixth secondary midpoint at the point along the third edge at the midpoint between the third primary midpoint and the third corner; a seventh secondary midpoint at the point along the fourth edge at the midpoint between the third corner and the fourth primary midpoint; an eighth secondary midpoint at the point along the fourth edge at the midpoint between the fourth primary midpoint and the fourth corner; a first tertiary midpoint at the midpoint of a line connecting the first primary midpoint and the second primary midpoint; the a second tertiary midpoint at the midpoint of a line connecting the second primary midpoint and the third primary midpoint; a third tertiary midpoint at the midpoint of a line connecting the third primary midpoint and the fourth primary midpoint; a fourth tertiary midpoint at the midpoint of a line connecting the fourth primary midpoint and the first primary midpoint; a first incision through the square planar member connecting the fourth tertiary midpoint and the center point of the square planar member; a second incision through the square planar member connecting the first tertiary midpoint and the center point of the square planar member; a third incision through the square planar member connecting the second tertiary midpoint and the center point of the square planar member; a fourth incision through the square planar member connecting the third tertiary midpoint and the center point of the square planar member; a first fold line connecting the first secondary midpoint and the fourth tertiary midpoint; a second fold line connecting the second secondary midpoint and the first tertiary midpoint; a third fold line connecting the third secondary midpoint and the first tertiary midpoint; a fourth fold line connecting the fourth secondary midpoint and the second tertiary midpoint; a fifth fold line connecting the fifth secondary midpoint and the second tertiary midpoint; a sixth fold line connecting the sixth secondary midpoint and the third tertiary midpoint; a seventh fold line connecting the seventh secondary midpoint and the third tertiary midpoint; an eighth fold line connecting the eighth secondary midpoint and the fourth tertiary midpoint; a first pivot area having a first side defined by the first edge, a second side defined by the second fold line, a third side defined by the second incision, a fourth side defined by the first incision, and a fifth side defined by the first fold line, the first pivot area additionally having a first surface and a second surface; such that the first pivot area may pivot around the second fold line and the seventh fold line; a second pivot area having a first side defined by the third fold line, a second side defined by the second edge, a third side defined by the fourth fold line, a fourth side defined by the third incision, and a fifth side defined by the second incision, the second pivot area additionally having a first surface and a second surface; such that the second pivot area may pivot around the first fold line and the fourth fold line; a third pivot area having a first side defined by the third incision, a second side defined by the fifth fold line, a third side defined by the third edge, a fourth side defined by the sixth fold line, and a fifth side defined by the fourth incision, the third pivot area additionally having a first surface and a second surface; such that the third pivot area may pivot around the third fold line and the sixth fold line; a fourth pivot area having a first side defined by the eighth fold line, a second side defined by the first incision, a third side defined by the fourth incision, a fourth side defined by the seventh fold line, and a fifth side defined by the fourth edge, the fourth pivot area additionally having a first surface and a second surface; such that the fourth pivot area may pivot around the fifth fold line and the eighth fold line; a first corner area having a first side defined by the first edge, a second side defined by the second edge, a third side defined by the third fold line and a fourth side defined by the first fold line, the first corner area additionally having a first surface and a second surface; a second corner area having a first side defined by the fourth fold line, a second side defined by the second edge, a third side defined by the third edge, and a fourth side defined by the fifth fold line, the second corner area additionally having a first surface and a second surface; a third corner area having a first side defined by the seventh fold line, a second side defined by the sixth fold line, a third side defined by the third edge, and a fourth side defined by the fourth edge, the third corner area additionally having a first surface and a second surface; a fourth corner area having a first side defined by the first edge, a second side defined by the first fold line, a third side defined by the eighth fold line and a fourth side defined by the fourth edge, the fourth corner area additionally having a first surface and a second surface.
US Referenced Citations (10)
Number Name Date Kind
2327875 Edborg Aug 1943 A
2655382 Belsky Oct 1953 A
3267597 Jannes Aug 1966 A
3962816 Sarid Jun 1976 A
4170355 Finkin Oct 1979 A
4429878 Asao Feb 1984 A
5445380 Polsky Aug 1995 A
5651715 Shedelbower Jul 1997 A
5735520 Matos Apr 1998 A
6523826 Matos Feb 2003 B1