Icosadodecahedron puzzle system

Abstract

The IKOS holistic game of this invention comprises a semi-regular geometric solid of 32 faces. 12 faces are regular pentagons interfaced to 20 equilateral triangles. The polyhedron also comprises 60 equal upstand edges each one of which subtends 36 degrees at the centroid of the polyhedron. It also comprises 30 equal vertices at which four edges and four faces meet. The surface elements 1 of the IKOS are of seven distinct colors, with each surface element being of one color only. There are six sets of like colored surface elements with two pentagons and ten up-stands in each set. All the triangular panels are in the seventh, neutral, shade.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0002] This invention relates generally to games. More particularly it relates to a puzzle based on a regular multi-colored Icosadodecahedron which totally involves and benefits the mind and spirit of children and adults alike. An embodiment of the puzzle is also known by it's trademark name of IKOS for all products based on this invention.

THE PROBLEM

[0003] The problem with prior art games and puzzles is that they can either be played indoors or outdoors but not both. Likewise they can either be enjoyed by children or adults but not both. Prior art puzzles are not holistic as they do not involve and benefit body mind and spirit of children and adults both indoor and outdoors. Problems with prior games and puzzles and toys can be categorized into the following:

[0004] a) Useable only indoors or outdoors but not both

[0005] b) Challenging to children or adults but not both

[0006] c) Provide benefits for the body or mind but not spirit.

[0007] d) Not cost effective.

[0008] e) Do not harmonize with the environment.

[0009] f) Do not totally engage or involve the players.

[0010] g) Educational or entertaining but seldom both.

SUMMARY

[0011] The IKOS holistic puzzle of this invention comprises comprises a semi-regular geometric solid of 32 faces. 12 faces are regular pentagons interfaced to 20 equilateral triangles. The polyhedron also comprises 60 equal upstand edges each one of which subtends 36 degrees at the centroid of the polyhedron. It also comprises 30 equal vertices at which four edges and four faces meet.

[0012] The surface elements 1 of the IKOS are of seven distinct colors, with each surface element being of one color only. There are six sets of like colored surface elements with two pentagons and ten up-stands in each set. All the triangular panels are in the seventh, neutral, shade.

[0013] This indoor-outdoor puzzle and game appeals equally to children, teens and adults. It can played anywhere! This versatile bundle of fun is the perfect combination of fun and education for all situations! The possibilities for this active game are limitless.

[0014] All of this isn't just fun play. Players develop mental thinking skills, visual perceptual skills, and spatial relationships. As kids explore the world of shapes, patterns and colors, they begin to develop color recognition, memory and beginning geometry skills.

[0015] Players also improve key skills like visual discrimination, and problem solving. This game promotes creative play and socialization. It also encourages more family interactions. Parents or educators can use the IKOS to teach younger children how to recognize different kinds of shapes, colors or identify images such as different kinds of animals to name a few.

[0016] The game is ideal for developing better health, keen mind and strong spirit as well as team spirit among players and family bond and unity, which in turn has positive impact on society by reduced juvenile delinquency and crime.

PRIOR ART

[0017] A preliminary limited prior art search was conducted. Furthermore the inventor is intimately familiar with the prior art. Following are typical examples of the prior art known to the applicant arranged in the reverse chronological order for ready reference of the reader.

[0018] c) U.S. Utility Pat. No. 4,781,380 presented to Thomas J. Irwin on Nov. 1, 1988 for “Articulated Ring Puzzle”

[0019] b) U.S. Utility Pat. No. 4,529,201 bestowed upon Ernest Nadel on Jul. 16, 1985 for “Multi-Faceted Solid Geometrical Puzzle Toy”

[0020] a) U.S. Utility Pat. No. 4,478,418 issued to Benjamin F. Sherman Jr. on Oct. 23, 1984 for “Three-Dimensional Sliding Element Puzzle”

[0021] None of the prior art devices known to the applicant or his attorney disclose the EXACT embodiment of this inventor that constitutes a simple, elegant, quick, convenient, affordable, educational, engaging, challenging and entertaining puzzle for children and adults alike.

OBJECTIVES

[0022] Unfortunately none of the prior art devices singly or even in combination provide for all of the objectives as established by the inventor for this system as enumerated below.

[0023] 1. It is an objective of this invention to provide methods, devices and system for playing a holistic puzzle.

[0024] 2. Another objective of this invention is to provide a puzzle that involves engages and challenges both children and adults.

[0025] 3. Another objective of this game is that it be suitable for using and playing indoors as well as out doors.

[0026] 4. Another objective of this game is that it be both educational and entertaining.

[0027] 5. Another objective of this game is that it be aesthetic and elegant design that integrates harmoniously with any environment.

[0028] 6. Another objective of this IKOS is that it can be used as decoration to accent surrounding objects at home or office.

[0029] 7. Another objective of this puzzle is that it be holistic to engage not only mind but also develop motor skills.

[0030] 8. Another objective of this puzzle is that its use is quick, simple, convenient and easy.

[0031] 9. Another objective of this invention is that it be suitable for all types of users in all types of conditions.

[0032] 10. Another objective of this invention is that the puzzle be portable.

[0033] 11. Another objective of this invention is that its design is simple and even elegant.

[0034] 12. Another objective of this invention is that its use is intuitive which requires no further training.

[0035] 13. Another objective of the game of this invention is that it be capable of multiple uses.

[0036] 14. Another objective of this invention is that it use little or no additional energy.

[0037] 15. Another objective of this invention is that the invention use modular standard components easily interface-able transportable and storable.

[0038] 16. Another objective of this invention is that it be reliable such that it practically never fails and requires little or no maintenance.

[0039] 17. Another objective of this invention is that it be environmentally friendly and use biodegrade materials to the extent practical.

[0040] 18. Another objective of this invention is that it be physically safe in normal environment as well as accidental situations.

[0041] 19. Another objective of this invention is that it be long lasting made from durable material.

[0042] 20. Another objective of this invention is that it meet all federal, state, local and other private standards guidelines, regulations and recommendations with respect to safety, environment, energy consumption.

[0043] 21. Another objective of this invention is that it not compromise the safety or the comfort of the players.

[0044] 22. Another objective of this invention is that it be suitable for gift giving.

[0045] 23. Another objective of this invention is that it be suitable for promotional give-aways complete with message of the sponsor such as a union, casino or charitable organization.

[0046] 24. Another objective of this invention is that it promote family unity and family bond as well as team spirit, unity and bond among unrelated players.

[0047] 25. Another objective of this invention is that the game not only be entertaining but capable of learning and teaching.

[0048] Other objectives of this invention reside in its simplicity, elegance of design, ease of manufacture, service and use and even aesthetics as will become apparent from the following brief description of the drawings and the detailed description of the concept embodiment.

[0049] Unfortunately none of the prior art devices singly or even in combination provide all of the features established by the inventor for this system as enumerated below.

[0050] a) Educational, engaging, challenging and entertaining.

[0051] b) Safe and holistic.

[0052] c) Multiple uses for all types of players and all types of venues.

[0053] d) A device that can be easily used, stored, and maintained.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] a) FIG. 1 shows a plan view of the regular icosadodecahedron.

[0055] b) FIG. 2 shows plan view of the IKOS in schematic geometric form which is a pseudo perspective isometric plan view.

[0056] c) FIG. 3 shows the rotational path of a colored pentagonal floret in a pseudo perspective isometric plan view of the icosadodecahedron

[0057] d) FIG. 4 shows the rotational path if a triangular floret in a pseudo perspective isometric plan view of the icosadodecahedron

[0058] e) FIG. 5 shows rotational path about its axis of a hemisphere of the icosadodecahedron in pseudo perspective isometric plan view.

[0059] f) FIG. 6 shows uniformly colored pentagonal florets arranged as polar opposites in a pseudo perspective isometric plan view of the icosadodecahedron.

[0060] g) FIG. 7 shows like colored pentagonal florets adjacent and in the ‘cubic’ arrangement in a pseudo perspective isometric plan view of the icosadodecahedron

[0061] h) FIG. 8 shows opposite pentagonal panels and corresponding equator all of the same color in a pseudo perspective isometric plan view of the icosadodecahedron

[0062] i) FIG. 9 shows pentagonal panels of the same color adjacent and enclosed within a crescent of like colored up-stands in a pseudo perspective isometric plan view of the icosadodecahedron.

[0063] j) FIG. 10 shows colored surface elements in a random arrangement in a pseudo perspective isometric plan view of the icosadodecahedron

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0064] As shown in the drawings wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, there is generally disclosed in FIG. 1 a plan view of the regular icosadodecahedron 100. FIG. 2 shows plan view of the IKOS in schematic geometric form which is a pseudo perspective isometric plan view.

[0065] The IKOS is in the shape of a regular icosadodecahedron 100, hence the name. This is a semi-regular geometric solid of 32 faces 1, see Diagram 1. Twelve of the faces are regular pentagons 5 and twenty are equilateral triangles 3. The faces are so disposed that polygons of one type are laterally adjacent at all edges 2 to polygons of the other type, while polygons of the same type are invariably vertically adjacent.

[0066] This polyhedron has 60 equal edges 2, each one of which subtends 36 degrees at the centroid of the polyhedron, and 30 equal vertices 6 at which four edges and four faces meet.

[0067] An important property of the icosadodecahedron, (32'dron), is that the 60 edges 2 form themselves into six mutually equiangular, mutually intersecting, regular decagons 7, each one of which bisects the 32'dron exactly.

[0068] In the IKOS 100 the edges 2 are made to stand proud of the faces to form equal up-stands 2. The outer edges of these up-stands 2 together form the skeleton of a projected, larger, concentric 32'dron defined only by its edges 2.

[0069] Four up-stands 2, meet at a projected vertex 6. The end edges of the up-stands 2 meet along the outermost section of the radial line from the centroid of the figure to the outer vertex 6. The up-stands form themselves, correspondingly, into 6 equivalent hollow decagons. The 60 up stand edges 2 and the 32 polygonal panels 3,5 are referred to as the surface elements or faces 1 of the IKOS 100.

[0070] The surface elements 1 of the IKOS are of seven distinct colors, with each surface element being of one color only. There are six sets of like colored surface elements with two pentagons and ten up-stands in each set. All the triangular panels are in the seventh, neutral, shade. The color legend for the embodiment delineated here is as follows.

[0071] 10=Color 1 (Yellow)

[0072] 20=Color 2 (Red)

[0073] 30=Color 3 (Green)

[0074] 40=Color 4 (Blue)

[0075] 50=Color 5 (Purple)

[0076] 60=Color 6 (Orange)

[0077] 70=Color 7 (Silver or neutral) color

[0078] In the IKOS all the surface elements 1 can be made to move, i.e. rotate in clusters, relative to each other and to the core of the device. The geometric structure of the IKOS 100 remains unchanged after any number of movements. Furthermore, irrespective of the number of moves that are made, an up-stand 2 always has polygons of one type lying on one side of it.

[0079] The object of the puzzle is to achieve a desired patterning of the colored surface elements through successive rotations of different element clusters.

[0080] There are three possible types of movement in the IKOS. FIG. 3 shows the rotational path of a colored pentagonal floret in a pseudo perspective isometric plan view of the icosadodecahedron. FIG. 4 shows the rotational path if a triangular floret in a pseudo perspective isometric plan view of the icosadodecahedron FIG. 5 shows rotational path about its axis of a hemisphere of the icosadodecahedron in pseudo perspective isometric plan view.

[0081] a) Rotation, about its center, of a pentagonal floret 111, as shown in FIG. 3 wherein a Floret is taken to mean the combination of any polygonal panel and its three, or five, surrounding up-stands. This rotation can be made in either sense and there are four possible new orientations the floret can move into.

[0082] b) Rotation, about its center, of a triangular floret 112, as shown in FIG. 4. This rotation can be made in either sense and there are two possible new orientations the floret can move into.

[0083] c) Rotation of one hemisphere 113 relative to the other, as shown in FIG. 5. Rotation can be made in either sense and there are four possible new orientations the hemisphere can assume.

[0084] In this movement the up stand decagon 7 dividing the two hemispheres is called the equatorial decagon and the surface elements immediately adjacent to it are referred to as being equatorially adjacent. The axis of rotation invariably passes through the centers of a pair of opposite pentagonal florets 4P, referred to as the polar florets, with the surface elements adjacent to it referred to as being polar adjacent. In this rotation the equatorial decagon 7 remains stationary, so that a total of 41 surface elements are rotated relative to the rest.

[0085] There is no one solution to the puzzle. There are a number of generic solutions, and associated with each one of these are usually about 12 specific solutions, depending on the number of different color arrangements that are possible in any one generic solution. FIG. 6 shows uniformly colored pentagonal florets arranged as polar opposites in a pseudo perspective isometric plan view of the icosadodecahedron. FIG. 7 shows like colored pentagonal florets adjacent and in the cubic arrangement in a pseudo perspective isometric plan view of the icosadodecahedron

[0086] There are two broad types of generic solutions: those in which the pentagonal florets 4P are of a uniform color, type A, and those in which the up stand decagons, or segments of them, are of a uniform color, type B.

[0087] Type A generic solutions include those where:

[0088] a) Like colored pentagonal florets 4P are disposed as polar opposites, see Diagram 6.

[0089] b) Like colored florets are adjacent i.e. sharing a common vertex, including, in particular, where the 6 common vertices correspond to the centers of faces of a concentric cube, i.e. the ‘cubic’ arrangement, see Diagram 7.

[0090] c) They are neither polar opposites nor adjacent.

[0091] d) Hybrids of any of the above.

[0092] FIG. 8 shows opposite pentagonal panels and corresponding equator all of the same color in a pseudo perspective isometric plan view of the icosadodecahedron. FIG. 9 shows pentagonal panels of the same color adjacent and enclosed within a crescent of like colored up-stands in a pseudo perspective isometric plan view of the icosadodecahedron.

[0093] Type B generic solutions include those where:

[0094] a) Like colored pentagonal panels 5 are arranged as polar opposites with the correspondingly colored upstand 2 decagons forming the respective equators. In this arrangement all like colored elements lie in parallel planes, as shown in FIG. 8.

[0095] b) Like colored panels are adjacent and in the ‘cubic’ arrangement, with correspondingly colored up-stands 2 enclosing them in a crescent made up of two half-decagons as shown in FIG. 9.

[0096] There are innumerable other regular and semi-regular patterns, which may be regarded as solutions to the puzzle, but these are too numerous to mention here. Although the number of patterns that could be regarded as solutions to the puzzle runs into hundreds, the number of random arrangements is so vast as to make it virtually impossible to arrive through a random sequence of movements.

[0097] FIG. 10 shows the IKOS 100 with the colored surface elements in a random arrangement in a pseudo perspective isometric plan view of the icosadodecahedron. The puzzle is played by participants from age 3 to adults of all ages. It can be used indoors as well as outdoors. The game is also known by its potential trademark name of “IKOS”. The objective of the puzzle like the Rubik's cube is to put the IKOS in like colors from a random order in the shortest time. The object of the puzzle is to achieve a desired patterning of the colored surface elements through successive rotations of different element clusters.

[0098] The manufacturing, assembly and use of this invention is very simple even intuitive. The drawings delineate this process even further. The interconnection between elements can be anything as long as does not interfere with the rotational aspects of the puzzle.

[0099] The inventor has given a non-limiting description of the drop case rapid weapon deployment system of this invention. Due to the simplicity and elegance of the design of this invention designing around it is very difficult if not impossible. Nonetheless many changes may be made to this design without deviating from the spirit of this invention. Examples of such contemplated variations include the following:

[0100] 1. The shape and size and quantity of the various members and components may be modified.

[0101] 2. The color, aesthetics and materials may be enhanced or varied.

[0102] 3. A different educational graphic may be selected for learning and teaching different substantive subjects through this medium of instruction.

[0103] 4. Additional complimentary and complementary functions and features may be added.

[0104] 5. A more economical version of the puzzle may be adapted.

[0105] 6. An audio-visual computer version of the game may be employed.

[0106] 7. In lieu of or in addition to elements may be embossed or studded to enhance the tactile-spatial awareness of the user.

[0107] Thus this puzzle is not limited to the exact embodiment shown. The shapes can be substituted for colors, numbers, letters, animal figures, images, patterns and more. It can have a version where it is played in the swimming pool and at night where glow in the dark material or other illuminating devices are used. This game can also have a software program version where the user can have the ability to customize the images to be used on the game.

[0108] Other changes such as aesthetics and substitution of newer materials as they become available, which substantially perform the same function in substantially the same manner with substantially the same result without deviating from the spirit of the invention may be made.

[0109] Following is a listing of the components used in the best mode preferred embodiment arranged in ascending order for ready reference of the reader.

[0110] 1=Faces

[0111] 2=Edges or up-stands

[0112] 3=Triangles

[0113] 4=Floret

[0114] 5=Pentagons

[0115] 6=Vertices

[0116] 7=Decagon

[0117] 8=Hemisphere

[0118] 9=Axis of rotation

[0119] 10=Color 1 (Yellow)

[0120] 13=Yellow Triangle

[0121] 15=Yellow Pentagon

[0122] 20=Color 2 (Red)

[0123] 23=Red Triangle

[0124] 25=Red pentagon

[0125] 30=Color 3 (Green)

[0126] 33=Green Triangle

[0127] 35=Green Pentagon

[0128] 40=Color 4 (Blue)

[0129] 43=Blue Triangle

[0130] 45=Blue Pentagon

[0131] 50=Color 5 (Purple)

[0132] 53=Purple Triangle

[0133] 55=Purple Pentagon

[0134] 60=Color 6 (Orange)

[0135] 63=Orange Triangle

[0136] 65=Orange Pentagon

[0137] 70=Color 7 (Silver or neutral) color

[0138] 73=Silver Triangle

[0139] 80=Multi-Color

[0140] 100=IKOS puzzle generally

[0141] 110=Rotational movement

[0142] 111=Rotational movement of a pentagonal floret about its center

[0143] 112=Rotational movement of triangular floret about its center

[0144] 113=Rotation of the two hemispheres with respect to each other

DEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS

[0145] A great care has been taken to use words with their conventional dictionary definitions. Following definitions are included here for clarification.

[0146] 3D=Three Dimensional

[0147] DIY=Do It Yourself

[0148] Floret=Polygonal panel and its three, or five, surrounding up-stands.

[0149] Integrated=Combination of two entities to act like one

[0150] Interface=Junction between two dissimilar entities

[0151] OEM=Original Equipment Manufacturer

[0152] While this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments as well as other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to a person of average skill in the art upon reference to this description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claim(s) cover any such modifications, embodiments as fall within the true scope of this invention.

Claims

1. An icosadodecahedron puzzle system comprising 12 pentagons symmetrically and geometrically interfaced to 20 equilateral triangles and 60 upstand edges.

2. The icosadodecahedron puzzle system of claim 1 wherein; a) said pentagons are regular and identical shape; and b) said 60 upstand edges are all equal.

3. The icosadodecahedron puzzle system of claim 1 wherein; a) each one of said edges subtends 30 degrees at the centroid of said icosadodecahedron; and b) said icosadodecahedron further having 30 equal vertices.

4. The icosadodecahedron puzzle system of claim 3 wherein at each of said 30 equal vertices 4 of said 60 equal edges and four of said 32 faces meet.

5. An polyhedron puzzle system comprising 12 pentagons symmetrically and geometrically interfaced to 20 equilateral triangles and 60 upstand edges.

6. The polyhedron puzzle system of claim 5 which is an icosadodecahedron puzzle with 32 sides.

7. The polyhedron puzzle system of claim 6 wherein; a) said pentagons are regular and identical shape; and b) said 60 upstand edges are all equal.

8. The polyhedron puzzle system of claim 7 wherein; a) each one of said edges subtends 30 degrees at the centroid of said icosadodecahedron; and b) said icosadodecahedron further has 30 equal vertices.

9. The polyhedron puzzle system of claim 8 wherein at each of said 30 equal vertices four of said 60 equal edges meet.

10. The polyhedron puzzle system of claim 8 wherein at each of said 30 equal vertices four of said 32 faces meet.

11. A polyhedron of 32 faces of 12 regular pentagons and 20 equilateral triangles having 60 equal edges wherein each one of said edges subtends 30 degrees at the centroid of said polyhedron and said polyhedron further having 30 equal vertices wherein at each of said 30 equal vertices 4 of said 60 equal edges and four of said 32 faces meet.