PUZZLE

Abstract

The disclosed puzzle includes a first block having a plurality of faces, with at least one primary image defined on at least one of the faces. Also included is a plurality of second blocks smaller than the first block. The second blocks are arranged in a base configuration to form the first block, and include a plurality of sub-faces having a first set of image segments defined thereon. The primary images are formed by a plurality of the image segments.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

This application relates to puzzles and games, and more specifically to a three dimensional puzzle.

BACKGROUND

Known puzzles include a plurality “puzzle pieces” that must be assembled in order to produce an object or image, and thus “solve” the puzzle. One type of known puzzle is a picture puzzle, which consists of pieces that fit together to form a one-dimensional image on a single surface, such as the popular “jigsaw puzzle,” which includes pieces that interlock to produce such an image. The pieces of this type of puzzle are assembled to form a surface. Another known type of puzzle includes pieces that fit together to form a three dimensional shape. These types of puzzles are assembled in a single configuration to create the final image or shape and require that all of the pieces be used in order to create such an image or shape. Once a user has solved such a puzzle, the same level of ingenuity and patience may not be required in order to produce the image or object a second or subsequent time.

SUMMARY

In an aspect, the disclosure relates to a puzzle including a first block having a plurality of faces. At least one primary image is defined on at least one of the faces. The puzzle also includes a plurality of second blocks smaller than the first block. The second blocks are arranged in a base configuration to form the first block and have plurality of sub-faces with a first set of image segments defined thereon. The at least one primary image is formed by a plurality of the image segments.

In an aspect, the disclosure relates to a method of solving a puzzle. The method includes providing the puzzle, which includes a plurality of second blocks having a plurality of sub-faces with a first set of image segments defined thereon. The second blocks are arranged in a base configuration to form a first block having a plurality of faces. The faces include at least one primary image formed by an arrangement of the first set of image segments.

In an aspect, the disclosure relates to a method of conducting a competition. The method includes providing a plurality of teams, where each team has at least one individual. The method also includes providing each team with second blocks of a puzzle. The puzzle includes a first block having a plurality of faces and at least one primary image defined on at least one of the faces. The second blocks are smaller than the first block and capable of being arranged in a base configuration to form the first block. The second blocks have a plurality of sub-faces, and one or more of the sub-faces have image segments defined thereon. The method further includes directing each team to arrange the second blocks to form a first image or a set of images from the image segments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing Summary, as well as the following Detailed Description will be best understood when read in conjunction with the drawings which show a presently preferred embodiment. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the puzzle, shown without images;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a second block of the puzzle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the second block of FIG. 2 with portions shown as transparent to expose additional sub-faces;

FIG. 4 is a partially exploded isometric view of the puzzle of FIG. 1, shown without images;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the puzzle in the base configuration, shown with puzzle mats and face identifiers;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the puzzle of FIG. 1, showing primary images;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the detail of FIG. 6 showing second blocks having image segments disposed thereon;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of several second blocks of the puzzle of FIG. 6, arranged to form a secondary image; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second block of one embodiment of the puzzle, including an interior space with an object disposed therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not considered limiting. Words such as “front,” “back,” “top,” and “bottom” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. This terminology includes the words specifically noted above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Additionally, the terms “a” and “one” are defined as including one or more of the referenced item unless specifically noted. The phrase “at least one of” followed by a list of two or more items, such as “A, B or C,” means any individual one of A, B or C, as well as any combination thereof.

The preferred embodiments are described below with reference to the drawing figures, where like numerals represent like elements throughout.

In preferred embodiments thereof, the disclosed device can be used as a game or puzzle for a wide variety of purposes, including mental and physical stimulation, entertainment, competition, and team building. Some embodiments are used on an individual basis, while others are employed by groups acting as teams or competitors. Often, the two may be combined, for example, the puzzle may be utilized as a game, where individuals or teams compete over who can be the first to solve the puzzle.

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the disclosed puzzle. As shown, the puzzle preferably comprises a first block 2. In the embodiment shown, the first block 2 is in the shape of a cube having six faces 2a-2f, only three of which 2a, 2c, 2e are exposed in the view of FIG. 1. The first block 2 is formed of a plurality of second blocks 4. As shown, the second blocks 4 are smaller than the first block 2 and each have six sub-faces A-F, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

In FIG. 1, the number, shape and size of second blocks 4 forming the first block 2 is such that the first block 2 has an equal height Z, length Y, and width X. However, the first block 2 may take on shapes other than that of a cube, such that these dimensions are not equal. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the first block 2 includes one-hundred and twenty-five second blocks 4, with twenty-five second blocks 4 forming each one of the six faces 2a-2f. Ninety-eight second blocks 4 are on the surface of the first block 2, and twenty seven second blocks 4 are disposed in the interior or the second block 2. Alternatively, a larger or smaller number of second blocks 4 may be used. While the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and described hereinafter comprises a cube made of a plurality of second blocks 4 that are also shaped as cubes, alternative embodiments of the puzzle include first blocks 2 and/or second blocks 4 that take on other geometric configurations. To create the first block 2, the second blocks 4 are arranged in a base configuration. The second blocks 4 are shown arranged in the base configuration in FIGS. 1, 5, and 6.

Referring to FIG. 4, the second blocks 4 are divided into two subsets 4′, 4″, including internal second blocks 4′ that are situated on the interior of the first block 2, and external second blocks 4″ that form the outer faces 2a-2f of the first block 2. Certain faces A-F of the external second blocks 4″ are illustrated as being sub-faces A″-F″, which are exterior to the first block 2 and form one of the first block 2 faces 2a-2f. Certain other faces A-F of external second blocks 4″ are illustrated as being internal sub-faces A′-F′, which are situated internally with respect to the first block 2. The internal second block 4′ faces A-F are illustrated as being only internal sub-faces A′-F′. In yet another embodiment, the interior or a portion of the interior of the first block 2 may include non-second block filler, a subset of internal second blocks 4′, empty space, or any combination thereof.

One or more faces 2a-2f of the first block 2 can include a primary image 6. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the second blocks 4 are arranged in the base configuration along with any non-second block filler, or empty spaces, such that each face 2a-2f of the first block 2 includes a primary image 6. As shown in FIG. 7 the primary images 6 are formed from image segments 8 on the external sub-faces A″-F″ of the second blocks 4. One or more of the sub-faces A-F may include one or more image segments 8. In the embodiment shown, the primary images are considered formed on first block faces 2a-2f in their entirety. Thus the entire sub-face A-F of a respective second block 4 forms an image segment, because the entire sub-face A-F forms a portion of the primary image 6 of the respective first block face 2a-2f.

FIGS. 6-8 show an embodiment with primary images 6 and secondary images 10. In FIGS. 6 and 7, the second blocks 4 are arranged in the base configuration to form the first block 2. In FIG. 8, several of the second blocks 4 have been rearranged to form a secondary image 10. The secondary image 10 may be formed using image segments 8 on external sub-faces A″-F″ or internal sub-faces A′-F′, or a combination thereof, and the image segments 8 can be located on external second blocks 4″ or internal second blocks 4′.

Image segments may be provided in different configurations, for example, every image segment 8 can be used to form at least one primary or secondary image 6, 10, or neither a primary or secondary image 6, 10, and at least some of the image segments 8 may correspond to more than one primary or secondary image 6, 10. This permits a large number of images to be created from a single first block 2. Some of the second blocks 4 may include image segments 8 that do not correspond to any primary image 6, secondary image 10, or neither a primary or secondary image 6, 10. Some of the image segments 8 may appear on multiple second-block sub-faces A-F, such that some of the second block 4 sub-faces A-F are identical to each other. In this manner, a specific image 6, 10 could be created using different configurations of second blocks 4.

The number of second blocks 4 used to create a secondary image 10 may be selected such that the secondary image 10 has an equal length and width. Thus, the square root of the number of second blocks 4 making up the secondary image 10 would be whole number. It is, however, also within the scope of the invention to provide a first block 2 having second blocks 4 that can be arranged in various single layer shapes, as well as three dimensional multiple layer configurations having secondary images 10 on one or more surfaces.

The puzzle can be solved in a variety of ways. The second blocks 4 may be provided unassembled or in the base configuration, forming the first block 2. Where provided in the base configuration, an individual or team will first can disassemble the second blocks 4. The puzzle can then be solved by assembling or reassembling the first block 2 in the base configuration, or in one or more alternative final configurations. Such an alternative final configuration could be, for example, a single block having a different arrangement of the second blocks 4 than that of the first block 2, multiple blocks, other geometric shapes formed with the second blocks 4, or single layers of second blocks 4. The alternative final configuration preferably includes secondary images 10 on one or more surfaces of the blocks or layers formed from the second blocks 4. A further embodiment is foreseen in which additional blocks, similar in size and appearance to the second blocks 4, are provided as well. The additional blocks may be incorporated into an alternative final configuration, or may be configured such that they do not fit in with any configuration of the second blocks, thus creating a challenging element to the puzzle. In one embodiment teams compete to solve the puzzle by producing different configurations, and the additional blocks are awarded as prizes or “points,” and used to create certain configurations or images that cannot be produced without them, thus furthering the competition.

When arranging the second blocks 4 in the base configuration, or when arranging the second blocks 4 to create primary or secondary images 6, 10, the second blocks 4 may be simply laid out on a surface, or stacked on top of each other. Alternatively, the second blocks 4 can be held in the arranged configuration by devices such as adhesives, fasteners, a hook and loop connections, VELCRO™, or other permanent or reversible attachments.

Referring to FIG. 5, puzzle mats 12 are provided for arranging the second blocks 4. The puzzle mats 12 include surfaces having an image of a grid 14 imposed thereon. The grid 14 is in the form of a square, divided into a plurality of smaller squares 16. Each smaller square 16 has a length and width to match the sides of the second blocks 4 so that a selected second block 4 can be placed directly over a corresponding grid square 16.

In alternative embodiments, one or more of the second blocks 4 have a shape other than that of a cube, including outer surfaces having one or more image segments. The puzzle mats 12 are modified by transposing the appropriate shapes thereon to permit arrangement of the second blocks 4. The puzzle mats 12 may be made from fabric, paper, or any other suitable material that a grid image 14 may be imposed upon. The grid 14 may be created by any suitable means appropriate for imposing an image on the material used for the puzzle mat 12, such as by painting or dyeing. In another embodiment, the secondary images 10 are formed by assembling the second blocks 4 without the aid of a grid or mat.

A key may be provided to identify the image segments 8 on the sub-faces A-F of the second blocks 4. Referring to Table I, below, a key is provided in the form of a face matrix, which identifies and lists each second block 4 of the first block 2, and provides a face identifier 18 corresponding to each sub-face A-F of each second block 4. In the embodiment shown, the face matrix includes one-hundred and twenty-five rows, with each one of the rows corresponding to a selected second block 4. The face matrix indicates the location and orientation of each of the second blocks 4 when the first block 2 is arranged according to the base configuration.

TABLE I
X	Y	Z	SIDE A	SIDE B	SIDE C	SIDE D	SIDE E	SIDE F
1	1	1	R21	ML16	SL1	SL1	B25	GB1
2	1	1	R22	ML12	EL3	EL3	HR1	GB1
3	1	1	R23	J1	J1	J1	HR1	GB1
4	1	1	R24	SL16	ML9	ML9	HR1	GB1
5	1	1	R25	SL3	ML7	ML7	HR1	B21
1	2	1	R16	SL9	EL9	EL9	B20	GB1
2	2	1	R17	SL21	SL21	SL21	HR1	GB1
3	2	1	R18	SL18	EL1	EL1	HR1	GB1
4	2	1	R19	EL4	SL6	SL6	HR1	GB1
5	2	1	R20	ML6	EL6	EL6	HR1	B16
1	3	1	R11	ML6	EL6	EL6	B15	GB1
2	3	1	R12	ML1	SL17	SL17	HR1	GB1
3	3	1	R13	SL8	SL8	SL8	HR1	GB1
4	3	1	R14	ML2	SL15	SL15	HR1	GB1
5	3	1	R15	J1	J1	J1	HR1	B11
1	4	1	R6	SL5	ML11	ML11	B10	GB1
2	4	1	R7	ML11	SL5	SL5	HR1	GB1
3	4	1	R8	ML8	SL14	SL14	HR1	GB1
4	4	1	R9	ML5	SL13	SL13	HR1	GB1
5	4	1	R10	J1	J1	J1	HR1	B6
1	5	1	R1	EL7	T21	SL22	B5	GB1
2	5	1	R2	ML14	T22	EL2	HR1	GB1
3	5	1	R3	SL4	T23	SL4	HR1	GB1
4	5	1	R4	SL6	T24	EL4	HR1	GB1
5	5	1	R5	SL22	T25	EL7	HR1	B1
1	1	2	ML16	ML16	SL1	SL1	B24	GB1
2	1	2	P4	DEAD	DEAD	J1	P6	DEAD
3	1	2	P5	DEAD	DEAD	J1	DEAD	DEAD
4	1	2	P6	DEAD	DEAD	J1	DEAD	P4
5	1	2	SL3	SL3	ML7	ML7	HR1	B22
1	2	2	SL13	SL13	ML5	ML5	B19	GB1
2	2	2	P1	DEAD	J1	DEAD	P3	DEAD
3	2	2	P2	DEAD	J1	DEAD	DEAD	DEAD
4	2	2	P3	DEAD	J1	DEAD	DEAD	P1
5	2	2	ML12	ML12	EL3	EL3	HR1	B17
1	3	2	ML6	ML6	EL6	EL6	B14	GB1
2	3	2	EL8	EL8	ML13	ML13	HR1	GB1
3	3	2	ML14	ML14	EL2	EL2	HR1	GB1
4	3	2	SL15	SL15	ML2	ML2	HR1	GB1
5	3	2	SL12	SL12	SL12	SL12	HR1	B12
1	4	2	SL5	SL5	ML11	ML11	B9	GB1
2	4	2	ML11	ML11	SL5	SL5	HR1	GB1
3	4	2	ML8	ML8	SL14	SL14	HR1	GB1
4	4	2	ML5	ML5	SL13	SL13	HR1	GB1
5	4	2	EL8	EL8	ML13	ML13	HR1	B7
1	5	2	EL7	EL7	T16	SL22	B4	GB1
2	5	2	ML7	ML7	T17	SL3	HR1	GB1
3	5	2	SL4	SL4	T18	SL4	HR1	GB1
4	5	2	ML10	ML10	T19	SL24	HR1	GB1
5	5	2	SL22	SL22	T20	EL7	HR1	B2
1	1	3	SL7	SL7	ML3	ML3	B23	GB1
2	1	3	DEAD	DEAD	DEAD	J1	P5	DEAD
3	1	3	DEAD	DEAD	DEAD	J1	DEAD	DEAD
4	1	3	DEAD	DEAD	DEAD	J1	DEAD	P5
5	1	3	SL20	SL20	SL20	SL20	HR1	B23
1	2	3	SL13	SL13	ML5	ML5	B18	GB1
2	2	3	DEAD	DEAD	J1	DEAD	P2	DEAD
3	2	3	DEAD	DEAD	J1	DEAD	DEAD	DEAD
4	2	3	DEAD	DEAD	J1	DEAD	DEAD	P2
5	2	3	ML12	ML12	EL3	EL3	HR1	B18
1	3	3	J1	J1	J1	J1	B13	GB1
2	3	3	EL8	EL8	ML13	ML13	HR1	GB1
3	3	3	ML14	ML14	EL2	EL2	HR1	GB1
4	3	3	SL15	SL15	ML2	ML2	HR1	GB1
5	3	3	SL12	SL12	SL12	SL12	HR1	B13
1	4	3	SL25	SL25	ML15	ML15	B8	GB1
2	4	3	SL7	SL7	ML3	ML3	HR1	GB1
3	4	3	ML10	ML10	SL24	SL24	HR1	GB1
4	4	3	SL10	SL10	SL10	SL10	HR1	GB1
5	4	3	EL8	EL8	ML13	ML13	HR1	B8
1	5	3	SL1	SL1	T11	ML16	B3	GB1
2	5	3	ML7	ML7	T12	SL3	HR1	GB1
3	5	3	EL5	EL5	T13	SL23	HR1	GB1
4	5	3	ML10	ML10	T14	SL24	HR1	GB1
5	5	3	J1	J1	T15	J1	HR1	B3
1	1	4	SL7	SL7	ML3	ML3	B22	GB1
2	1	4	DEAD	P6	DEAD	J1	P4	DEAD
3	1	4	DEAD	P5	DEAD	J1	DEAD	DEAD
4	1	4	DEAD	P4	DEAD	J1	DEAD	P6
5	1	4	SL20	SL20	SL20	SL20	HR1	B24
1	2	4	ML1	ML1	SL17	SL17	B17	GB1
2	2	4	DEAD	P3	J1	DEAD	P1	DEAD
3	2	4	DEAD	P2	J1	DEAD	DEAD	DEAD
4	2	4	DEAD	P1	J1	DEAD	DEAD	P3
5	2	4	SL16	SL16	ML9	ML9	HR1	B19
1	3	4	SL19	SL19	SL19	SL19	B12	GB1
2	3	4	SL9	SL9	EL9	EL9	HR1	GB1
3	3	4	SL2	SL2	ML4	ML4	HR1	GB1
4	3	4	SL23	SL23	EL5	EL5	HR1	GB1
5	3	4	SL18	SL18	EL1	EL1	HR1	B14
1	4	4	SL25	SL25	ML15	ML15	B7	GB1
2	4	4	SL7	SL7	ML3	ML3	HR1	GB1
3	4	4	ML10	ML10	SL24	SL24	HR1	GB1
4	4	4	SL10	SL10	SL10	SL10	HR1	GB1
5	4	4	ML8	ML8	SL14	SL14	HR1	B9
1	5	4	SL1	SL1	T6	ML16	B2	GB1
2	5	4	SL2	SL2	T7	ML4	HR1	GB1
3	5	4	EL5	EL5	T8	SL23	HR1	GB1
4	5	4	SL11	SL11	T9	SL11	HR1	GB1
5	5	4	ML15	ML15	T10	SL25	HR1	B4
1	1	5	SL9	R25	EL9	EL9	B21	GB1
2	1	5	SL21	R24	SL21	SL21	HR1	GB1
3	1	5	SL18	R23	EL1	EL1	HR1	GB1
4	1	5	EL4	R22	SL6	SL6	HR1	GB1
5	1	5	ML6	R21	EL6	EL6	HR1	B25
1	2	5	ML1	R20	SL17	SL17	B16	GB1
2	2	5	ML1	R19	SL17	SL17	HR1	GB1
3	2	5	SL8	R18	SL8	SL8	HR1	GB1
4	2	5	ML2	R17	SL15	SL15	HR1	GB1
5	2	5	SL16	R16	ML9	ML9	HR1	B20
1	3	5	SL19	R15	SL19	SL19	B11	GB1
2	3	5	SL9	R14	EL9	EL9	HR1	GB1
3	3	5	SL2	R13	ML4	ML4	HR1	GB1
4	3	5	SL23	R12	EL5	EL5	HR1	GB1
5	3	5	SL18	R11	EL1	EL1	HR1	B15
1	4	5	J1	R10	J1	J1	B6	GB1
2	4	5	ML14	R9	EL2	EL2	HR1	GB1
3	4	5	J1	R8	J1	J1	HR1	GB1
4	4	5	SL6	R7	EL4	EL4	HR1	GB1
5	4	5	ML8	R6	SL14	SL14	HR1	B10
1	5	5	ML12	R5	T1	EL3	B1	GB1
2	5	5	SL2	R4	T2	ML4	HR1	GB1
3	5	5	SL16	R3	T3	ML9	HR1	GB1
4	5	5	SL11	R2	T4	SL11	HR1	GB1
5	5	5	ML15	R1	T5	SL25	HR1	B5

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first block 2 has an X-axis, Y-axis and a Z-axis. The location of each of the second blocks 4 when the first block 2 is arranged in the base configuration is identified according to X, Y, and Z coordinates lying on each of the X, Y, and Z axes. For example, second block 22, shown in FIG. 1 would have an X-coordinate of 1, a Y-coordinate of 3, and a Z-coordinate of 2. Second block 24 would have an X-coordinate of 2, a Y-coordinate of 1, and a Z-coordinate of 4. In the face matrix of Table I, the column labeled “X” identifies the X-coordinate of each second block 4. The column labeled “Y” identifies the Y-coordinate of each second block 4. The column labeled “Z” identifies the Z-coordinate of each second block 4.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the second block 4 sides are identified with the letters A through F. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a second block 4 in which sides A, C, and E are visible. FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a second block 4 in which sides A, C, and E are transparent, so that sides B, D, and F, situated towards the back of the second block 4, are visible. Sides B, D, and F are shaded in FIG. 3 in order to better clarify their locations. Side B is parallel to and located opposite side A, side D is parallel to and located opposite side C, and side F is parallel to and located opposite side E. Referring again to Table I, the column labeled “SIDE A,” of the face matrix contains face identifiers 18 corresponding to side A for each second block 4. Likewise, the columns labeled “SIDE B” though “SIDE F,” each contain face identifiers 18 corresponding to sides B through F for each second block 4.

The face identifiers 18 of the embodiment shown in Table I each include a letter code followed by a number code. Each letter code corresponds to a specific image 6, 10 that the image segment 8 on the second block 4 sub-face A-F belongs to. For example, each of the second block sub-faces A-F having an identifier 18 beginning with the letter “R” can be arranged to form a first primary or secondary image 6, 10, and each of the second block sub-faces A-F having a face identifier 18 beginning with the letters “ML” can be arranged to form a second primary or secondary image 6, 10. The letter codes may be assigned arbitrarily, or alternatively, may be indicative of the image formed by arranging the second blocks 4. For example, “B” may indicate that the image is primarily in the color blue. An example of this is shown in FIG. 5, in which each of the second block 4 sub-faces on the closest appearing face 2a-2f of the first block 2 has a face identifier 18 beginning with the letter “B.” As shown, each of the face identifiers 18 of this embodiment ends in a numerical code. The numerical codes may indicate how the second blocks 4 are arranged or ordered in forming an image 6, 10. For example, the second blocks 4 may be arranged such that the numerical codes of the face identifiers 18 increase from left to right, then top to bottom, as shown in FIG. 5. In this manner, the top row contains face identifiers 18 “B1” through “B5,” the numbers increasing from left to right. The second row picks up at “B6,” and continues to “B10.” The second block sub-faces continue to be numbered in this sequential manner, until the bottom, right-most second block sub-face is reached, this sub-face having the face identifier “B25” in FIG. 5. Alternatively, any logical means of ordering the second blocks 4 according to the face identifiers 18 could be employed, or the face identifiers 18 could be arranged arbitrarily within the first block 2.

For the sake of simplicity, only face 2a of the first block 2 is shown with face identifiers 18 in FIG. 5. However, each face 2a-2f of the first block 2 may include face identifiers 18. For example, another one of the two faces 2c, 2e shown could have face identifiers 18 labeled “R1” through “R25.” Such a face may include an image primarily in the color red, for example, as indicated by the letter code “R”. In the embodiment of the face matrix shown in Table I, every second block 4 sub-face A-F having an image segment 8 includes a face identifier 18.

The face matrix can be used to assemble the first block 2 according to the base configuration, to create the puzzle. Alternatively, the first block 2 can be assembled without the face matrix as part of “solving” the puzzle. To assemble the first block 2 using the face matrix, each individual second block 4 is identified by the face identifiers 18 appearing on its sub-faces A-F. This is done by matching the face identifiers 18 of the second block 4 with those corresponding to that second block 4 as listed in the face matrix. The orientation of the second block 4 within the first block 2 can be established by first determining which of the sub-faces A-F of the second block 4 corresponds to each face identifier 18. Each second block 4 is oriented within the first block 2 such that each selected sub-face A-F faces the same direction as the corresponding sub-face A-F of each of the other second blocks 4. For example, sub-face A of each second block 4 will face the same direction within the first block 2. Next, the location of each second block 4 within the first block 2 can be determined according to the X, Y, and Z coordinates listed for that second block 4 in the face matrix.

The face identifiers 18 of the face matrix preferably give an indication of one or more images 6,10 that image segments 8 on the second block sub-faces A-F can be arranged to create. However, a face matrix does not have to indicate every image that can be created. This is because each image segment 8 preferably can be used in multiple images, and the face matrix of Table I includes only one face identifier 18 for each sub-face A-F of each second block 4. In an alternative embodiment, secondary face identifiers and secondary face matrices may be provided to indicate the additional images that can be created by alternative arrangements or selections of image segment 8.

In some embodiments, some of the second block sub-faces A-F do not form a part of any image. The face matrix Table I designates such sub-faces A-F as “dead” rather than giving them face identifiers 18. A “dead” sub-face A-F may be blank, or may simply contain what appears to be an image segment 8, but does not actually form a part of any of the images that can be formed using the other second block sub-faces A-F of the first block 2. In some embodiments, internal second blocks 4′ may include image segments 8, which may be part of a secondary image 10. Image segments 8 on internal second blocks 4′ may also appear similar to portions of primary images 6 in order to make a challenging puzzle where some pieces appear to fit in places other than the proper place.

A face identifier list may be provided to indicate the different face identifiers 18 in the first block 2. Table II, below, demonstrates one embodiment of a face identifier list with two columns, broken up into three sections. The first column lists every face identifier 18 present in the first block 2. The face identifiers 18 may be grouped according to their letter codes, and arranged within the groups according to the order of their numerical codes. The second column lists the number of times each sub-face A-F having a respective face identifier 18 can be found within the first block 2.

TABLE II
FACE ID QUANTITY
SL1     8
SL2     6
SL3     5
SL4     5
SL5     7
SL6     6
SL7     8
SL8     6
SL9     5
SL10    8
SL11    5
SL12    8
SL13    8
SL14    8
SL15    8
SL16    5
SL17    8
SL18    5
SL19    7
SL20    8
SL21    6
SL22    5
SL23    5
SL24    6
SL25    6
ML1     5
ML2     6
ML3     8
ML4     6
ML5     7
ML6     5
ML7     8
ML8     6
ML9     7
ML10    8
ML11    7
ML12    6
ML13    8
ML14    6
ML15    7
ML16    5
EL1     8
EL2     7
EL3     7
EL4     5
EL5     8
EL6     8
EL7     5
EL8     8
EL9     8
T1      1
T2      1
T3      1
T4      1
T5      1
T6      1
T7      1
T8      1
T9      1
T10     1
T11     1
T12     1
T13     1
T14     1
T15     1
T16     1
T17     1
T18     1
T19     1
T20     1
T21     1
T22     1
T23     1
T24     1
T25     1
R1      2
R2      2
R3      2
R4      2
R5      2
R6      2
R7      2
R8      2
R9      2
R10     2
R11     2
R12     2
R13     2
R14     2
R15     2
R16     2
R17     2
R18     2
R19     2
R20     2
R21     2
R22     2
R23     2
R24     2
R25     2
B1      2
B2      2
B3      2
B4      2
B5      2
B6      2
B7      2
B8      2
B9      2
B10     2
B11     2
B12     2
B13     2
B14     2
B15     2
B16     2
B17     2
B18     2
B19     2
B20     2
B21     2
B22     2
B23     2
B24     2
B25     2
GB1     82
HR1     82
J1      40
DEAD    66
P1      4
P2      4
P3      4
P4      4
P5      4
P6      4
TOTAL   750

The first block 2 and each of the second blocks 4 can be provided in various sizes. For example, in one embodiment, the second blocks 4 may have a height, length and width of an inch or less. Such an embodiment would be suitable for display on an individual's desk or coffee table. In another embodiment, the second blocks 4 may each have a height, length, and width of ten feet or more. Such an embodiment would be ideal for large scale presentations, including demonstrations or events involving audience participation. The invention should not be considered limited to any specific size, and an appropriate size can be determined based on the desired use and setting for use of the puzzle.

The second blocks 4 can be made of a variety of materials. In smaller scale versions, blocks made of wood or other high density materials may be preferable. In larger versions, the second blocks 4 may be made of low density materials, such as foam, or boxes having hollow interiors, such as cardboard boxes, so to minimize the weight of the second blocks 4. It is, however, within the scope of the invention to utilize high density materials for large scale embodiments or low density materials or boxes, for smaller scale embodiments of the invention. The invention should not be considered limited with respect to the types of materials used to construct the second blocks 4.

In one embodiment, some of the second blocks 4, such as that shown in FIG. 9, define interior regions 30, accessible by openings 32. In the embodiment shown, the second block 4 is a box, and includes a lid 34 that covers the opening 32. The second blocks 4 of this embodiment may contain objects 36 that can be used as clues or identifiers with respect to the images that can be created using the second blocks 4, or which image the particular second block 4 containing the object 36 is meant to be associated with. The objects may, for example correspond to one of the primary or secondary images 6, 10, and thus serve as a clue to a group of second blocks 4 that the particular second block 4 should be grouped with to produce such an image. The second block 4 shown in FIG. 9 is second block 26, shown also in FIGS. 6 and 7. An object 36 having the shape of a question mark is disposed in the interior region 30, and may serve as a clue that the second block 4 can be grouped with other second blocks 4 to form an image having a similar appearance. As shown, second block 26 includes an image segment 8 of the primary image 6 appearing on face 2a of the first block 2 of FIG. 6, which also has the appearance of a question mark. Objects 36 can also be written clues or secondary puzzles that must be solved in order to solve an overall puzzle, or objects 36 could be a prize.

Interior regions 30 could be provided with closures, for example, lid 34 could include a lock that is released by a key or combination. The key or combination could be provided by any method. For example, the key or combination could be provided on or in another second block 4. The key or combination could also be provided independently from the puzzle, or could be deduced form a particular image 6, 10 or combinations thereof.

The image segments 8 may be created using any means of transferring an image onto a surface composed of the material used to construct the second blocks 4. For example, the sub-faces A-F of the second blocks 4 may be painted or dyed. Alternatively, labels having the images already imposed thereon may be adhered to the sub-faces A-F of the second blocks 4. Other methods of creating image segments 8 are possible as well, and would be easily recognizable to a person having ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, the puzzle should not be considered limited by the methods and materials used to create the image segments 8.

Assembly of the first block 2, or its primary or secondary images 6, 10 can be implemented into a wide variety of games or team building activities. Such activities may be performed on an individual basis or as part of a group effort. Such activities can be started by disassembling the first block 2, and randomly scattering the second blocks 4.

If the activity is being performed by an individual, the person may attempt to reassemble the first block 2 according to the base configuration, according to alternative final configurations, or may attempt to construct primary or secondary images 6, 10 from the second blocks 4. Such an activity can be performed as a leisurely exercise, as a game, or as a device to improve visual-spatial reasoning and problem solving. The individual may, for example, attempt to construct the first block 2 within a set time limit, or to construct as many images as possible within a set time limit. Alternatively, the individual may attempt to construct as many images as possible using a specific second block 4 or group of second blocks 4. A smaller scale version of the puzzle, such as one sized for display on a desktop, may be preferable for individual use. However, it is within the scope of the invention to provide a larger scale version for individual use.

If the activity is being performed by a group, it may be performed as a cooperative or competitive activity, or as a combination of the two. For example, a group may work together in an attempt to construct a single first block 2 according to the base configuration, a single first block 2 in alternative final configuration, more than one first block 2 in alternative final configurations, to construct as many images as possible using the second blocks 4, or to perform any of the other activities discussed herein. In one embodiment, the first block 2 is disassembled, and a group of individuals is given a time limit in which to reassemble the first block 2. In another embodiment, a group of individuals is given a time limit to construct a particular secondary image 10, or alternatively, as many secondary images 10 as possible. Such embodiments in which groups of individuals work together to complete tasks involving the puzzle may be useful for teaching cooperation and communication skills.

Alternatively, individuals or teams may compete against each other to perform any of the above described activities within a shorter time, assemble a particular image, to create a greater number of images 6, 10, or to assemble the first block 2 within a shorter time period. Under such circumstances, each team or individual may be provided with a first block 2, or all of the teams and individuals may be required to create images using second blocks 4 from the same first block 2. One embodiment is foreseen in which teams or individuals compete for second blocks 4 used to create images 6, 10.

While the preferred methods of use of the puzzle have been described above, other methods of use involving assembly of any portion of the puzzle should be considered within the scope of the invention.

The puzzle as described above serves a wide variety of purposes such as entertainment, team building, cooperation, communication, education, and development of visual spatial reasoning and problem solving skills. The images used can serve educational purposes as well. Alternatively, the images may consist of advertisements or other promotional materials. Such embodiments are particularly useful if the puzzle is being employed as part of a large scale team building activity.

While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in detail above, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described, which should be considered as merely exemplary.

Claims

1. A puzzle comprising a first block having a plurality of faces, at least one primary image defined on at least one of the faces, and a plurality of second blocks smaller than the first block, the second blocks arranged in a base configuration to form the first block and having plurality of sub-faces with a first set of image segments defined thereon; wherein the at least one primary image is formed by a plurality of the image segments.

2. The puzzle of claim 1, wherein the second blocks are cubes.

3. The puzzle of claim 1, wherein the first block is a cube.

4. The puzzle of claim 1, wherein the sub-faces comprise external sub-faces disposed externally on the first block and forming the faces, and internal sub-faces that are disposed internally with respect to the first block.

5. The puzzle of claim 1, wherein the second blocks can be rearranged to form one or more secondary images by an alternate arrangement of the first set of image segments.

6. The puzzle of claim 5, wherein the second blocks can be rearranged to form different secondary images.

7. The puzzle of claim 1, wherein at least some of the sub-faces comprise a second set of image segments and wherein rearrangement of the second blocks forms one or more secondary images from the second set of image segments.

8. The puzzle of claim 7, wherein the second blocks can be rearranged to form different secondary images.

9. The puzzle of claim 7, wherein all of the sub-faces comprise at least one image segment of at least one of the first set or second set.

10. The puzzle of claim 7, wherein at least some of the image segments belong to both the first set and second set.

11. The puzzle of claim 1, wherein at least some of the sub-faces do not comprise image segments.

12. The puzzle of claim 1, further comprising a mat on which the second blocks are arranged.

13. The puzzle of claim 1, further comprising a key that identifies a location of each of the second blocks.

14. The puzzle of claim 13, wherein the key identifies the location of each of the second blocks in terms of coordinates located along axes extending along at least one of a height, width, or length of the first block.

15. The puzzle of claim 14, wherein the key is in the form of a matrix.

16. The puzzle of claim 13, wherein the key further identifies an orientation of each of the second blocks.

17. The puzzle of claim 1, wherein at least some of the image segments of the first set comprise subsets that are identical to each other.

18. The puzzle of claim 17 further comprising a face identifier that indicates a quantity of each image segment of each subset.

19. The puzzle of claim 1, wherein at least some of the second blocks include interior openings with objects disposed therein.

20. A method of solving a puzzle, comprising: providing the puzzle comprising a plurality of second blocks including a plurality of sub-faces having a first set of image segments defined thereon; andarranging the second blocks in a base configuration to form a first block having a plurality of faces comprising at least one primary image formed by a first arrangement of the first set of image segments.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein at least some of the sub-faces comprise a second set of image segments defined thereon, the method further comprising disassembling the second blocks from the base configuration, and rearranging at least some of the second blocks in a second arrangement to form a secondary image from a plurality of the image segments from the first set, second set, or a combination thereof.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the method is performed by an individual.

23. The method of claim 20, wherein the method is performed by a group of individuals as a cooperative effort.

24. A method of conducting a competition, comprising: providing a plurality of teams, each team having at least one individual;providing each team with second blocks of a puzzle, the puzzle comprising a first block having a plurality of faces and at least one primary image defined on at least one of the faces, wherein the second blocks are smaller than the first block and capable of being arranged in a base configuration to form the first block, the second blocks having a plurality of sub-faces, and one or more of the sub-faces having image segments defined thereon; anddirecting each team to arrange the second blocks to form a first image or a set of images from the image segments.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising calculating a time it takes for each of the teams to arrange the second blocks to form the first image or set of images.

26. The method of claim 24, further comprising directing each team to rearrange the second blocks to form second images or a second set of images from the image segments, after forming the first image or set of images from the image segments.